Hon Steven Joyce
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills & Employment
Hon Michael Woodhouse
Minister of Immigration
12 June 2014 Media Statement
International education numbers set to grow
International student numbers in New Zealand look set to grow again following the worst effects of the global financial
crisis and the Christchurch earthquakes, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce and Immigration
Minister Michael Woodhouse say.
The International Education Snapshot: 2013 full year report, released today, provides a snapshot of the trends in New
Zealand’s international education industry for the 2013 academic year.
“The second half of 2013 – and early indications from 2014 – showed good signs of a lift in international student
numbers particularly at higher levels,” Mr Joyce says.
“Last year, New Zealand providers taught more international postgraduate students – with numbers up 11 per cent on 2012,
and more international students studied at New Zealand’s secondary schools and universities, which experienced growth of
two per cent and four per cent respectively.
“In addition, full-year revenue from international students’ fees in 2013 was up by $9.5 million on 2012 to $755
million.”
Mr Woodhouse says the report indicates a strong end to 2013 that has left New Zealand well placed for growth in
international student numbers in 2014.
“The number of international students enrolling with New Zealand providers from the period May to December 2013
increased by 4 per cent on the same period in 2012. Student visa data for early 2014 indicates these numbers are
continuing to grow,” Mr Woodhouse says.
“Total approved student visas, which are available before enrolment data, were up 22 per cent in the January to March
2014 period on 2013, bringing total student visas back up to 2010 levels.”
The ministers also released a progress update on the Government’s actions in achieving the goals of the Leadership
Statement for International Education which was launched three years ago.
“The report outlines a number of significant policy changes that have improved the environment for international
education and improved the safeguards for our international reputation,” Mr Joyce says.
“New Zealand’s international education industry our fifth largest export industry. In 2013, an independent Infometrics
report valued the industry at $2.6 billion annually. The industry also supports 28,000 jobs around New Zealand.
“Global connections are essential to New Zealand’s continued prosperity. Through international education we build our
people-to-people links with the world, increase cultural understanding and receive significant economic benefit while
these students study, live and travel in New Zealand.”
The International Education Snapshot: 2013 full report and the Leadership Statement for International Education – Progress Update, are available at:http://www.enz.govt.nz/news/international-education-reports-released
ENDS