New Zealand’s international education sector is showing strong signs of recovery, with student satisfaction reaching new highs and enrolments continuing to grow. According to the latest International Student Experience Survey from Education New Zealand (ENZ), 87% of students reported being satisfied with their experience in 2025, up from 86% the year before. Notably, 43% described their experience as “excellent,” marking a two-point rise on 2024.
Between January and April 2025, 63,610 international students were enrolled with New Zealand education providers. This represents a 16% increase on the same period in 2024 and an impressive 49% rise compared to 2023. Growth was observed across all education sectors, though Private Training Establishments led the way with a 41% increase in enrolments.
China and India continue to dominate as the largest source countries for students, followed by Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the United States, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Germany. Shifts in student origin are also emerging, with Sri Lanka climbing from ninth to fifth position and Nepal moving from eleventh to seventh. These changes suggest a gradual broadening of New Zealand’s international student base beyond its traditional markets.
Students consistently rated the people, communities and connections they found in New Zealand as a highlight, with 92% giving this aspect of their experience a positive score. The quality of education was also highly valued at 90%, while 89% praised the arrival and orientation process. Arranging study and overall living experiences were both rated positively by 87% of respondents.
Visa processes, which have been a point of concern in the past, are also showing marked improvement. Satisfaction with visa applications rose to 80% this year, up from 78% in 2024. Even more striking was the jump in satisfaction with visa processing times, which leapt from 64% last year to 74% in 2025.
Perhaps most tellingly, students are beginning to see greater value in what New Zealand offers. The proportion of respondents who agreed the country delivers good value for money climbed from 65% in 2024 to 76% in 2025.
ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu welcomed the results, saying they reflected both the quality of New Zealand’s education providers and the warmth of the welcome extended by local communities. She noted that the steady recovery in enrolments was encouraging, but emphasised that the goal remains sustainable growth rather than simply boosting numbers. The Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan will continue to focus on enhancing student wellbeing, a sense of belonging, and overall quality of experience.
With satisfaction on the rise and enrolments trending upward, New Zealand appears to be consolidating its reputation as one of the most welcoming and rewarding study destinations in the world.
