New Zealand offers opportunities for international students at all levels of the education system.  The largest percentages of students who come here enter language schools.  However, students from many parts of the world also study in our secondary schools, universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology.

International student numbers have grown dramatically over the past five years.  In 1998 there were approximately 26,000 students but by 2002 this had risen to nearly 80,000.  The majority come from Asian countries.  China, Korea and Japan are the three largest markets, with nearly 75% of our international students in 2002.  Other Asians countries of origin include Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India.

There were over 3000 students from Germany in 2002.  This was the largest number from a non-Asian country.  Students also come to study here from other European countries, the United States and Canada, South America and the Middle East.

New Zealand attracts students into English language schools, universities, polytechnics, secondary and primary schools.  The majority enter language schools but significant numbers from both English and non-English speaking countries are attracted to tertiary study in New Zealand.  Secondary school students come mainly from Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and China.  Students who come into New Zealand schools often stay and go on to further education here.  Our integrated education system enables them to begin study at one level and then make the transition to the next.  Some obtain employment here after they finish studying.

International students have a significant impact economically - they contributed $1,163 million dollars to the New Zealand economy for the year ending March 2003.  They can also bring ideas, global contacts and networks, and cultural understanding to business and into our communities.