New Zealand’s international education sector has shown strong momentum across 2025, and NZSEG is proud to play a key role in this growth.
The sector now contributes more than $4.52 billion annually to the economy, with education-related travel exports climbing from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $4.52 billion in 2025. International education now sits firmly among New Zealand’s top 10 export sectors.
Student demand is also rising sharply. Between January and August 2025, 83,535 international students enrolled with New Zealand education providers — a 14 percent increase on the same period last year.
NZSEG Founder and Quality Tertiary Institutions (QTI) Chair, Brijesh Sethi, welcomes this economic boost for Aotearoa, saying the benefits are felt across both international learners and local communities.
“International students contribute substantially to local communities and the national economy, reinforcing the international education sector’s role as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s global engagement strategy,” says Sethi.
This steady growth reflects both the resilience and global competitiveness of New Zealand education as the sector continues to deliver on the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan. Led by Education New Zealand (ENZ), the plan aims to double the sector’s export value to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034 while maintaining strong public support for international education.
In 2025, NZSEG strengthened its international presence through key offshore engagements. Most recently, Brijesh Sethi and NZSEG CEO Wendy Liao represented the Group at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing — one of the most significant gatherings of global education leaders.
Reflecting the strength of the relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and China, New Zealand was named Country of Honour at the event. This provided a valuable platform to showcase the quality of our education system and deepen bilateral ties.
Earlier in the year, Brijesh Sethi was also selected to join Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade delegation to India, focused on strengthening trade ties and investment opportunities between the two nations. India is currently the world’s fifth largest economy and is projected to become the third largest in the coming years. NZSEG has long welcomed and valued the contribution of Indian international students to our institutions and communities.
In September 2025, Prime Minister Luxon publicly acknowledged NZSEG’s role in supporting both learners and the wider economy.
“What NZSEG does for domestic students, for international students, and for the state of the economy, is really something to be proud of,” he said.
As New Zealand’s international education sector continues its strong upward trajectory, NZSEG remains committed to expanding its global reach, strengthening international networks and creating meaningful pathways for learners who aspire to study in Aotearoa.
Read more about Prime Minister Luxon’s remarks on NZSEG
here.
