In a bold shift from global trends, the New Zealand government has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its international education sector to NZ$7.2 billion (US$4.32 billion) by 2034. As part of this strategy, the country will ease work restrictions for international students, positioning itself as a more attractive destination for foreign learners.
The announcement, made on Sunday, was described by Education Minister Erica Stanford as a “supercharged” initiative aimed at revitalizing and expanding one of New Zealand’s most profitable service exports.
“In the short term, Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest growth potential,” Stanford stated.
Key Changes to International Student Work Rights
Under the new policy:
- Work hours for eligible students will increase from 20 to 25 hours per week
- Students in approved exchange or study-abroad programs will gain new work rights and access to visa extensions
These reforms aim to support projected growth in student numbers, which the government expects to rise from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034.
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New Zealand’s Strategic Move Amid Global Tightening
Unlike countries such as the United States and Australia, which are tightening immigration policies, New Zealand is actively opening its doors to international students.
- In the U.S., visa restrictions under the Trump administration led to a drop in foreign applications, especially among Chinese students.
- Australia recently announced a cap of 270,000 new student enrollments for 2025 to address housing shortages.
New Zealand’s strategy reflects a counter-approach, viewing international students as economic partners who contribute not just to education, but to broader economic development.
Although specific countries were not mentioned, insiders suggest the government will target emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, where demand for quality foreign education is rising rapidly.
The education push aligns with broader economic policies to attract:
- Digital nomads
- Foreign investors
- Skilled professionals
These efforts aim to combat sluggish GDP growth and rising living costs by bringing in fresh capital and innovation.
With international education already valued at NZ$3.6 billion, New Zealand is banking on this policy shift to secure a larger global market share. By expanding work rights and easing access, the government hopes to enhance its reputation as a world-class education destination in a time of global competition.
