Blog

March 31, 2025

Indian Student Enrolment in New Zealand to Nearly Double by 2030, Predicting 95% Growth: Report

The recent report reveals that New Zealand is quickly becoming a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. Enrolments are expected to grow significantly, with the number of Indian students rising from 12,686 in 2021 to 24,594 by 2030—an impressive 95% increase. This rise in popularity is attributed to several factors that make New Zealand stand out among traditional study destinations like the US, UK, and Canada.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Affordability and Quality Education:

• New Zealand offers competitive tuition fees compared to other countries. For example, pursuing an MBA in New Zealand costs around 25 lakh INR, whereas in Australia, it can cost as much as 54 lakh INR. This affordability, combined with quality education, makes it an attractive option.
• The cost of living in New Zealand is also manageable if students are mindful of their daily expenses, even though basic necessities may be expensive.
• Tuition fees for various programs vary: engineering programs cost between $8,372 and $10,648, while health and science programs can go up to $53,000. Computer science remains a high-demand field, attracting many students.

2. Post-Study Opportunities:

• One of the key advantages of studying in New Zealand is the post-study work visa, which allows graduates to stay in the country for up to three years after completing their studies. This gives students like Neha Singh the opportunity to gain practical experience and even apply for residency after a year of work. This is a highly attractive option as many other countries are tightening restrictions for foreign students.

3. Academic Excellence and Practical Learning:

• New Zealand is home to universities consistently ranked among the top 3% globally. These universities, including institutions like Massey University, focus on a practical approach to learning, ensuring that students are industry-ready by the time they graduate.
• New Zealand’s education system emphasizes strong industry connections, providing students with the opportunity to apply what they learn in real-world settings, which enhances their employability.

4. Government Support:

• The New Zealand government is actively working to attract international talent. At an education event in India, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a NZ$260,000 partial scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, further strengthening the country's appeal as an education hub.
• Additionally, simplified visa procedures and work-right regulations make the process more straightforward for international students, especially from India.

5. Growing Popularity:

• With the US, UK, and Canada still being leading study abroad destinations, New Zealand's focus on career prospects, industry-linked education, and an overall student-friendly environment positions it as a viable and increasingly popular alternative.

In conclusion, New Zealand is becoming an important player in global higher education, particularly for Indian students. The combination of affordability, quality education, strong government support, and excellent post-study opportunities is propelling the country into the spotlight as a top choice for international education.