High satisfaction, Rising enrolments: New Zealand redefines what a world-class study destination looks like

October 30, 2025

The global student-mobility landscape is evolving rapidly, and New Zealand is steadily reclaiming its position as a high-quality study destination.Recent data from Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) reveal encouraging trends — strong student satisfaction and robust growth in international enrolments.

As licensed immigration advisers and education agents, this data is directly relevant — for students, referring partners, and employers seeking international graduates. Let’s look at what the numbers tell us, what they mean, and how these insights can guide your next steps.

Key Findings at a Glance

From ENZ’s 2025 International Student Experience Survey and recent enrolment statistics:

• 87% of international students rated their overall New Zealand study experience as positive — up from 86% in 2024.
• 43% rated their experience as excellent, marking a 2-point increase from 2024.
• Between January – April 2025, enrolments reached 63,610 international students — a 16% rise over the same period in 2024 (54,690) and a 49% increase compared with 2023 (42,700).
• Growth occurred across all education subsectors, with Private Training Establishments (PTEs) leading at +41% vs 2024.
• Top source markets: China and India continue to dominate, followed by Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, USA, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Germany.
  • Notably, Sri Lanka climbed from 9th to 5th, and Nepal from 11th to 7th position.
• What students value most:
  • 92% were positive about the people and connections they made.
  • 90% praised the quality of education.
  • 89% were satisfied with arrival and orientation support.
  • 87% felt positive about study-arrangement ease and overall living experience.
• Visa and application process perceptions improved:
  • 80% rated the visa process experience positively (up from 78%).
  • Positive ratings for visa-processing time jumped from 64% to 74%.
• Value for money saw a major improvement — from 65% to 76%.

What It Means for Students and Partners

These results reinforce that New Zealand’s recovery is not just about numbers — it’s about quality and trust. International students are experiencing greater satisfaction with education quality, community connection, and support services.

For students, this means more confidence in choosing New Zealand for their academic and career journey. For education partners and employers, it’s proof that the ecosystem is strengthening — producing motivated, well-integrated graduates ready for the workforce.

A Positive Outlook

The consistent year-on-year improvement signals a sustainable recovery rather than a short-term spike. With improved visa experiences and increasing value perception, New Zealand continues to differentiate itself as a safe, high-quality, and welcoming study destination.

This upward trend also aligns with ENZ’s strategic goal of “Going for Growth” — prioritising quality, long-term outcomes, and balanced international education growth across all regions.

Conclusion:

If you are a student or professional considering studying in New Zealand, now is the right time to take the next step.

At Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, we specialise in guiding you through both education placements and immigration pathways — ensuring your journey to New Zealand is informed, compliant, and rewarding.

Email us at contact@nzimmigration.info for a confidential, no-obligation assessment today.