International students are reporting stronger satisfaction with studying and living in New Zealand, as new enrolment data shows the sector’s recovery continuing in 2025.
Education New Zealand’s International Student Experience Survey, conducted between 28 April and 19 May with 5,420 respondents, found that 87 per cent rated their overall experience positively, up slightly from 86 per cent previously. The proportion of students describing their experience as “excellent” also rose from 41 to 43 per cent.
Students gave their highest ratings to the people and connections made in New Zealand (92 per cent), followed by quality of education (90), the arrival and orientation process (89), ease of making arrangements (87), and overall living experience (87).
Notably, perceptions of value for money rose to 76 per cent, compared with 65 per cent in the previous survey. Satisfaction with visa processing increased to 80 per cent, while positive views of visa approval times jumped from 64 to 74 per cent.
Education New Zealand Chief Executive Amanda Malu said the results reflected well on providers and communities. “This is encouraging news for New Zealand. The fact that students continue to rate their experience here as excellent is a credit to our education providers and speaks to the warmth of the welcome our communities extend to international students.”
“It’s not a boom, but a sign that our collective efforts are making a difference,” Malu stated.
Enrolment figures for January to April 2025 reached 63,610, a 16 per cent increase on the same period last year and nearly half above 2023 levels. Universities remained the largest sector with 30,110 students, while private training establishments grew 41 per cent to 9,045. China and India remained the top source markets, with strong growth also from Sri Lanka and Nepal.