New Zealand Opens Wider Doors To International Students
July 14, 2025 2025-07-14 16:01New Zealand Opens Wider Doors To International Students
New Zealand Opens Wider Doors To International Students
On July 14, 2025, New Zealand’s Education Minister, Erica Stanford announced that the country is making bold moves to attract more international students, aiming to double its foreign student market by 2034. Currently, international students contribute around NZ$3.6 billion to the economy which is intended to be increased to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034, and the country sees it as an achievable mission, as popular study destinations like the U.S. and Australia tighten their student visa policies.
Starting November 2025, international students in New Zealand will now be allowed to work 25 hours per week (up from 20 hours), giving them more financial flexibility while studying. Also, all tertiary-level students on approved exchange or study abroad programs will now be eligible for work rights. These changes are part of a broader strategy to make New Zealand more attractive compared to countries like the U.S. and Australia, where recent policy shifts have made it harder for international students to study and stay.

The U.S. has increased scrutiny on student visas, and Australia has capped new international enrolments at 270,000 for 2025, due to housing and infrastructure constraints.
In contrast, New Zealand is opening its doors wider, hoping to attract students affected by these restrictions.
New Zealand plans to grow international students from 83,700 to:
- 105,000 by 2027.
- 119,000 by 2034.
The targeted strategy by the government will now focus on marketing and recruiting in regions with high potential, such as:
- South Asia.
- Southeast Asia.
- Latin America.
These are areas where student demand remains strong, and other destination countries may become less competitive due to their internal restrictions.
While the plan is ambitious, some concerns remain:
- Can New Zealand scale up housing, student support services, and job opportunities without reducing the student experience?
- Is the infrastructure ready to handle this growth?
This move aligns with New Zealand’s broader push to boost its economy through internationalengagement, not just in education, but also through new visa options for digital nomads andinvestors. If successful, New Zealand could become a top alternative for global students who feel uncertain about studying in the U.S. or Australia.