New Zealand reports solid foreign enrolment growth for 2025

New Zealand's international student population grew by +11% last year, bringing it to 80% of its pre-COVID high point.

The latest data from Education New Zealand shows a total foreign enrolment of 92,580 in 2025, up from 83,425 the year before.

Universities accounted for a lot of that growth in 2025, with higher education enrolments rising +14% year-over-year. The schools sector was another notable gainer, with +10% growth compared to 2024.

China, representing 34% of the 2025 enrolment, and India (14%) remain the two largest sending markets. Together, they account for nearly half of all international students in the country. Other top sending markets include Japan (9%), South Korea (4%), Sri Lanka (4%), Germany (3%), US (3%), Nepal (3%), and the Philippines (3%).

“Strong growth was seen in a small number of new markets including Sri Lanka and Nepal," says ENZ's Acting Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons. "These markets have been factored into our market prioritisation and investment framework for 2026/27."

The number of Nepali students nearly doubled from 1,555 in 2024 to 2,660 in 2025, with enrolments highly concentrated in the PTE sector (private training establishment). Enrolments from Sri Lanka, meanwhile, rose from 2,360 in 2024 to 3,415 last year, with Sri Lankan students more evenly distributed across universities, PTEs, and ITPs (institutes of technology or polytechnics).

The 2025 enrolment data follows closely on the heels of the findings from the latest Global Brand Health and Awareness Survey, which found that 22% of prospective international students now place New Zealand in their top three choices of study destinations. This effectively achieves, nearly a decade ahead of schedule, a target set for 2034 in New Zealand's Going for Growth Plan.

Commenting on the survey findings, Education New Zealand says, "The survey expands brand tracking beyond the traditional 'Big Four' markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, to a broader group of 11 global study markets, offering a clearer picture of New Zealand’s competitive position.

Across these markets, preference for New Zealand is growing across its priority markets, supporting a more diversified and resilient approach to growth.

Awareness of New Zealand as a study destination is high at 79% across key source markets, on par with leading European and Asian destinations."

For additional background, please see:

• "New Zealand expands post-study work opportunities for international students"
• "New Zealand’s international student numbers climbing amid strong public support"
• "New Zealand announces strong foreign enrolment growth along with a new international education strategy"