Record numbers of international students are choosing to study in Auckland according to the latest findings in Education New Zealand’s International Education Snapshot. 

Auckland received more than 65,000 international enrolments between January and August 2015, up 15 per cent on the same period in 2014. 

International education is New Zealand’s fifth largest export category. The snapshot shows international student enrolments are up 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2014, and tuition fee revenue is hitting record highs now totalling $803.5 million, up 13 per cent. 

Billion dollar industry for Auckland

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED)General Manager Vivien Bridgwater says increases in enrolments were seen in almost all education sectors in the region. 

“It’s fantastic to see such good growth in this valuable sector, not just in Auckland, but throughout New Zealand,” she says. 

“International students are worth more than $1.5 billion to the Auckland economy and this value increases each year. Auckland continues to remain the top choice for most of these visiting students, holding a 62 per cent share of the market. 

“International Education is a key priority for ATEED and we have been working with our Study Auckland members to continue to develop and grow the sector.” 

An exciting time for international education

Ms Bridgwater says the work Study Auckland has been doing has been further boosted as part of a new collaboration throughEducation New Zealand’s Regional Partnership Programme. 

“This additional support means we are able to step up what we are doing in international education,” she says. 

“With this funding we are focusing on three key areas in particular; how we market Auckland internationally as a study destination; enhancing the student experience when they are here; and developing new products in the international education space. 

“It’s an exciting time for international education and we’re looking forward to seeing this growth continue in the coming year.”