14/07/2025
New Zealand's international education sector is getting a major boost!
The government has, today, unveiled a new "๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ป" to double the value of international education from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2034. The aim is to grow student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034
As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing some of its rules to help attract more international students, keep education standards high, and manage immigration risks.
Here's what you need to know:
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From ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ, eligible school and tertiary students will be able to work ๐ฎ๐ฑ hours per week, up from the current 20. This now makes New Zealand a world leader in its international student offering.
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Expanded work rights: Work rights are being extended to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes.
Under consideration:
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The government will investigate the possibility of a short-duration work visa of up to six months for international graduates who don't currently qualify for post-study work visas, allowing them to seek employment with accredited employers.
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The government will also explore ways to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas, reducing the costs and hassle of renewing visas.
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Streamlining assessment and requirements for student visas for students and institutions - this will bring a welcome review of certain internal practices considered overly negative by many immigration practitioners.
Striking the right balance between quantity and quality will be challenging. However, the government plan sets out its commitment to undertaking ongoing quality assurance and monitoring of education providers and qualifications. The messaging is clear: New Zealand is looking to welcome international students just as all other major markets (Australia, the UK, Canada and... of course, the USA) are taking a more restrictive approach.
If you are interested in studying in New Zealand, there's never been a better time. Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your international study aspirations!
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