The New Zealand government launched an ambitious new plan yesterday aimed at doubling the economic contribution of international education in New Zealand from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion. The International Education Going for Growth Plan includes an increase in the work rights for eligible student visa holders from 20 to 25 hours a week and an extension of the eligibility for work rights to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programs.
The Growth Plan details short, medium and long-term actions to grow New Zealand’s presence in overseas markets, attract talented students, build sector capacity and capability, and support the university sector through system improvements.
It establishes three objectives:
- Raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination from 40% in 2024, to 42% in 2027 and 44% by 2034.
- Grow student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
- Increase the proportion of prospective students rating NZ among their top 3 choices of study destination from 18% in 2024 to 20% in 2027 and 22% in 2034.
“With international student enrolments steadily increasing since 2023, we want to supercharge that growth track and make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students,” said New Zealand’s Education Minister, Erica Stanford.
A distinctive brand that “brings a quality education experience to life” will be delivered through:
- A high-profile global branding campaign in key international markets.
- Implementation of an improved agent network model that standardises training and engagement with recruitment agents.
- Advancement of an AI-driven platform providing information to students and partners worldwide.
Billed under Immigration settings open the door to New Zealand for genuine students, the increase in work rights to 25 hours will apply from 3 November for all new student visas granted from that date. Existing student visa holders will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa if they want to work up to 25 hours.
Work rights for exchange and Study Abroad programs are currently restricted to those on a course of at least one academic year, with the new work rights to include one semester courses.
Also from November 2025, students who change their education provider or lower their level of study will need to apply for a new student visa.
The New Zealand Government has said it will also investigate:
- Introduction of a short-duration work visa of up to six months to provide some international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights, allowing time to seek employment in their field of study under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.
- Updates to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas.
“To achieve our ambitious target, we’re taking a considered and strategic approach. It’s important to strike the right balance between increasing student numbers, maintaining the quality of education, and managing broader impacts on New Zealanders. Our plan will deliver that,” said Stanford.
The announcement by the New Zealand government did not include details of how much it will invest to achieve the Plan’s objectives.
The International Education Going for Growth Plan is available here.
