The recovery in the New Zealand international education market has gone beyond mere numbers. On September 4th, the New Zealand government released an update that states that the government is not in a position to do so. As of June 2026, international export earnings on education amounted to $4.98 billion (NZ $4.98 billion) Over the same period in 2019. NZ $4.403 billion 。
This data indicates that the number of international students has not yet returned fully to pre-epidemic peaks, but that the economic value of international education has been restored. The fact that Taiwan students and parents are being assessed for studying in New Zealand also reflects the fact that the New Zealand Government continues to view international education as an important export industry and continues to set expansion targets.
Export earnings rose from NZ $3.533 billion to NZ $4.98 billion in two years.
Annual information published by the Government of New Zealand:
- Year ending June 2019: NZ $4.403 billion
- Year ending June 2024: NZ $3.533 billion
- Year ended June 2025: NZ $4.295 billion
- Year ending June 2026: $4.98 billion NZ
In other words, the latest year ' s international export earnings on education have increased not only from the previous year, but also from the pre-epidemic level of 2019.
The New Zealand Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, states that the long-term goal of the government is to: Increase international export earnings on education to NZ $7.2 billion by 2034 。
The number of students remains below 2019, but continues to rise.
Education New Zealand (ENZ) was released in May this year. 92,580 international students Increase over 2024 11% Back to about 80 percent of the pre-epidemic peak. This figure is consistent with the Government ' s latest statement in September.
The Government's latest estimate is that the number of international students in 2026 is expected to be higher. 99,000 persons (a) Moving forward; Compared to 2019, about 115,705 International students.
As a result, the fact that "export earnings have exceeded pre-disease" does not mean that the number of students has fully recovered. The two are different statistical concepts and cannot be directly interchangeable.
University growth is synchronized with international students in primary and secondary schools
The most recent trend, published by the government on September 4, states that: International students at universities 14% more than the same period ； Increase in the school sector 9% of which the number of international primary school students increased by 22%。
This also shows that the international education recovery in New Zealand is not focused solely on language schools or single levels of education, but rather that both higher and school education grow.
Government target: 105,000 international students by 2027
International Education Going for Growth Plan in New Zealand 105,000 international students reached in 2027 At the same time, it is hoped to raise the international export earnings from education to NZ $7.2 billion by 2034.
This means that the policy direction of New Zealand in the coming years will remain one of expanding international education rather than simply reducing the number of international students. However, the expansion of enrolment will go hand in hand with visa screening, quality of education and the integrity of the immigration system.
What is the impact on students and parents in Taiwan?
For Taiwan's families, the most noteworthy figure is not “New Zealand is now easier to accept”, as the government has not announced a lowering of university admission or student visa standards as a result.
The more reasonable interpretation is: New Zealand remains actively engaged with international students, and international education has re-established itself as an export industry of high economic value. For students who planned to go to New Zealand to study at universities, research institutes or secondary schools in 2027, future sustainable attention will be given to whether school enrolment, scholarships, student visa processing rates and post-graduation work policies are aligned with this growth strategy.
Immmigration New Zealand's latest student visa waiting times are also being processed. Even if the Government wishes to increase the number of international students, applicants should still prepare their visas well in accordance with the official schedule of INZ, and the overall admission policy should not be confused with individual visa approvals.
