New Zealand has unveiled an ambitious strategy to double the size of its international education sector over the next decade, aiming to reach NZ$7.2 billion (US$4.32 billion) in value by 2034, the government announced on Monday.

At the heart of the plan is a series of policy shifts designed to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international students, including more flexible work rights and expanded eligibility for study-abroad participants.

A Push for Growth Amid Global Shifts

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the country is poised to capitalize on a growing opportunity in the global education market. With enrolments already rebounding since the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government wants to “supercharge that growth track” by aggressively marketing to key regions and easing restrictions that might deter prospective students.

“In the short term, Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth,” Stanford said in a statement.

The government’s target is to increase the number of international students from 83,700 in 2024 to 105,000 by 2027, and eventually to 119,000 by 2034, effectively doubling the sector’s current economic contribution of NZ$3.6 billion.

Key Incentives for Foreign Students

To help meet these goals, the government will:

• Raise the part-time work limit for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week
• Extend work rights to students in all approved tertiary exchange or study abroad programs
• Prioritize visa processing and recruitment in high-growth regions, particularly in Asia and Latin America

These measures are designed to enhance New Zealand’s appeal just as other major international education destinations, such as the United States and Australia, are tightening their policies on foreign students.

A Global Opening

The move comes at a time when countries like the U.S. and Australia are rolling back international student numbers. In the U.S., the Biden administration has maintained tighter visa scrutiny initiated under Donald Trump, and recent legal battles—like the attempted restriction on Harvard’s ability to enroll international students—have raised alarm in the education sector.

Australia, meanwhile, recently capped new international student enrolments at 270,000 for 2025, a policy aimed at controlling population growth amid soaring housing costs. These restrictions open a competitive window for New Zealand to assert itself as a more welcoming and stable option.

A Broader Economic Strategy

With economic growth remaining sluggish, New Zealand’s government is leaning on international education as a key pillar in its broader plan to revitalize the economy. The strategy complements other recent efforts, including new visa pathways for digital nomads and incentives to attract foreign investors.

“This is more than an education initiative—it’s an economic growth strategy,” said one official involved in the planning.

Looking Ahead

New Zealand’s goal of doubling the international education market within a decade is ambitious, but not out of reach if global trends continue to shift in its favor. By easing rules and actively courting students from emerging markets, the country is positioning itself as a serious contender in the race to attract the next generation of global learners.

With other nations pulling back, New Zealand appears ready to step forward—and reap the economic and cultural rewards of a thriving international student community.