New Zealand: A Rising Star for International Students

New Zealand's international student population grew by +11% last year, bringing it to 80% of its pre-COVID high point — a standout performance at a time when many major destinations are seeing enrolments decline.

The latest data from Education New Zealand shows a total foreign enrolment of 92,580 in 2025, up from 83,425 the year before.

Where the Growth Is Coming From

Universities accounted for a lot of that growth in 2025, with higher education enrolments rising +14% year-over-year. The schools sector was another notable gainer, with +10% growth compared to 2024.

China, representing 34% of the 2025 enrolment, and India (14%) remain the two largest sending markets. Together, they account for nearly half of all international students in the country. Other top sending markets include Japan (9%), South Korea (4%), Sri Lanka (4%), Germany (3%), US (3%), Nepal (3%), and the Philippines (3%).

Emerging Markets: Sri Lanka and Nepal

"Strong growth was seen in a small number of new markets including Sri Lanka and Nepal," says ENZ's Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons. "These markets have been factored into our market prioritisation and investment framework for 2026/27."

The number of Nepali students nearly doubled from 1,555 in 2024 to 2,660 in 2025, with enrolments highly concentrated in the PTE sector (private training establishment). Enrolments from Sri Lanka, meanwhile, rose from 2,360 in 2024 to 3,415 last year.

Ahead of Schedule

The 2025 enrolment data follows closely on the heels of the findings from the latest Global Brand Health and Awareness Survey, which found that 22% of prospective international students now place New Zealand in their top three choices of study destinations. This effectively achieves, nearly a decade ahead of schedule, a target set for 2034 in New Zealand's Going for Growth Plan.

Education New Zealand says: "Awareness of New Zealand as a study destination is high at 79% across key source markets, on par with leading European and Asian destinations."

While the Big Four grapple with policy tightening and declining demand, New Zealand's steady growth trajectory and welcoming stance make it an increasingly attractive alternative for students seeking quality education in a stable, supportive environment.

Source: ICEF Monitor