New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

International education in New Zealand has officially rebounded. Recent data reveals that international students generated NZ$4.98 billion for the country. This milestone clearly surpasses pre-pandemic earnings.

Importantly, New Zealand now considers Vietnam a priority growth market. Vietnamese student enrolments have grown rapidly across all academic sectors. Because of this momentum, educational ties between both nations are expanding quickly.

New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market
New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

1. Education Revenue Hits a New Milestone

New Zealand Minister of Education Erica Stanford recently announced the latest economic figures. International education generated NZ$4.98 billion (around US$3.1 billion) for the year ending June 2026.

This total shows a massive 41% surge over the last two years. Specifically:

  • June 2024: NZ$3.533 billion

  • June 2025: NZ$4.295 billion

  • June 2026: NZ$4.980 billion

This financial result comfortably beats the pre-COVID peak of NZ$4.403 billion set in mid-2019. Consequently, international student spending provides crucial support for local accommodation, transport, shops, and restaurants.

2. Enrolment Numbers Continue to Rebound

Total revenue has broken past records, but overall student headcount is still recovering. In 2025, New Zealand registered 92,580 international enrolments. This figure remains below the 115,705 enrolments recorded in 2019.

China and India continue to stand as the largest source markets:

  • China: 34% of total international enrolments

  • India: 14% of total international enrolments

  • Japan: 9% of total international enrolments

In addition, emerging markets like Sri Lanka and Nepal are gaining traction. Because of these positive trends, the New Zealand Government has established clear long-term goals:

  • Attract 105,000 enrolments by 2027.

  • Reach 119,000 enrolments by 2034.

  • Generate NZ$7.2 billion in annual export revenue by 2034.

3. Why New Zealand Prioritizes the Vietnamese Market

New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market
New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

Vietnam has quickly become one of New Zealand’s most promising partner countries. David Downs, Global Chief Executive of Education New Zealand (ENZ), shared these insights during his visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Mr. Downs, Vietnam belongs to the top tier of priority growth markets. In fact, Vietnam is one of only two countries where ENZ actively invests across every educational sector.

Therefore, New Zealand is increasing its resources inside Vietnam:

  • Expanding dedicated in-country staff.

  • Offering competitive scholarship programs.

  • Enhancing comprehensive student welfare services.

  • Strengthening partnerships with local schools and education agencies.

Furthermore, New Zealand institutions emphasize real-world career preparation. Practical internships and industry exposure make the country very appealing to ambitious young Vietnamese learners.

4. Rapid Growth of Vietnamese Students in New Zealand

New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market
New Zealand Makes Nearly NZ$5 Billion from International Education as Vietnam Becomes a Key Market

Official government statistics show that 2,200 Vietnamese students enrolled in New Zealand institutions in 2025. This reflects a 14% increase compared to 2024. Significantly, this growth rate outperformed the global average growth of 11%.

Vietnamese learners are well represented across diverse training programs:

  • Universities: Account for 61% of all Vietnamese students.

  • Private Training Establishments (PTEs): Jumped sharply by 34%.

  • English Language Schools: Grew steadily by 25%.

  • Public Vocational Institutes: Expanded by 10%.

Besides outbound student flow, academic leaders hope to build two-way exchanges. Vietnam is increasingly seen as an attractive hub for New Zealand researchers and exchange scholars in the years ahead.

Read more:

Dịch Vụ Mua Hộ Máy Hút Bụi Từ New Zealand Về Hà Nội Giá Rẻ, Uy Tín Tại NZpost 

Chuyển phát nhanh hàng mẫu từ Đài Bắc về Bắc Ninh