Indian student enrollment in New Zealand rises by 48.9% since 2021, expected to double by 2030

Melbourne: The number of Indian students in New Zealand has increased by 48.9% since 2021 and is projected to nearly double by 2030, according to a report by global student housing platform University Living.

The report, titled Beyond Beds and Benches—Decoding ANZ Education System, highlights the growing preference for New Zealand and Australia among international students, particularly from India.

The Oceania region has seen a steady rise in student migration, from 2.1 million in 2015 to 2.3 million in 2024. In Australia, Indian student enrollments increased by 9.2% between 2021 and 2024.

Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, attributed this growth to policy reforms that have simplified international travel and improved career prospects post-study.

He said that from 2025 to 2030, Indian student enrollments in New Zealand are expected to rise by 93.9%, from 22,225 to 42,594. By 2025, Indian student enrollments are projected to surpass 101,552 in Australia and reach 22,225 in New Zealand.

The international education sector has also made a significant economic impact, contributing nearly NZ$4.4 billion to New Zealand’s economy and A$47.8 billion to Australia’s economy in 2023-2024.