How New Zealand is Attracting Indian Students Amid Tightening Visa Norms Elsewhere
Why New Zealand is Emerging as a Top Study Destination for Indian Students
As traditional study destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada tighten their visa norms and increase tuition fees, Indian students are seeking more accessible and affordable alternatives. Among these, New Zealand has emerged as a compelling study destination, offering a balanced mix of quality education, affordability, and strong post-study work opportunities.
According to University Living’s report, Beyond Beds & Benches – Decoding ANZ’s Education System, New Zealand’s appeal as a study destination has significantly grown post-pandemic. With student enrollments rebounding after the pandemic-induced decline, the country is leveraging scholarships, streamlined visa policies, and strategic recruitment efforts to attract global talent.
The Growth of International Enrollments
New Zealand’s education sector peaked at 120,000 students in 2019 but saw a steep drop to 50,000 during the pandemic. However, projections estimate a rebound to 95,000–100,000 by the end of 2024. The report highlights that Indian student enrollments are expected to increase by nearly 93.9% from 2021 to 2030, a testament to the country’s growing appeal.
“New Zealand’s streamlined visa processes and work rights policies, along with the recently announced NZ$10,000 scholarships for high-achieving Indian students, reflect the government’s commitment to global talent,” said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living.
Affordable Quality Education
A significant factor attracting Indian students to New Zealand is the affordability compared to other major study destinations. With lower tuition fees and living costs, Indian students can access high-quality education without the overwhelming financial burden seen in countries like the US, UK, and Australia.
Additionally, New Zealand’s government has introduced NZ$10,000 scholarships to support high-achieving Indian students, further reducing the financial barriers to studying abroad.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Unlike Canada and Australia, which have recently imposed caps on international student intakes, New Zealand continues to welcome skilled migration. The country’s post-study work policies provide graduates with opportunities to gain work experience, contributing to its local workforce and filling skill gaps in industries like healthcare, IT, and engineering.
The report notes that many Indian graduates transition smoothly into New Zealand’s workforce, securing long-term career prospects and contributing positively to the economy.
Diversification and Economic Impact
The contribution of international education to New Zealand’s economy was NZ$5.1 billion in 2019, and while it declined during the pandemic, it is expected to reach NZ$4.5 billion by 2024. Beyond economic benefits, the country is diversifying its student base, expanding recruitment efforts beyond India and China to countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.
This strategic approach aims to stabilize student numbers and ensure sustainable growth in the long term.
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