Indian Student Enrollment In New Zealand Surges 34% Amid Rising Global Restrictions

New Zealand is becoming a more attractive country for Indian students since it provides a good quality of life, post-study life, and good quality education.

From January to August 2024, Indian student enrollments increased 34% to 10,640 from 7,930 for the entire year 2023, according to Education New Zealand (ENZ). New Zealand is now a destination of choice as a study destination with open policies and English-speaking locals.

Quality education and affordability

The appeal of New Zealand's education system extends beyond the quality of academic success to look at finance considerations. Cost was a significant consideration in the decision to pursue an MBA at the University of Canterbury Business School by Bunty Sanjeev.

"I studied in New Zealand because it is cheap to get tutored there," says Bunty.  "Let's say you want to get an MBA in Australia and you spend 54 lakhs, but the same degree in New Zealand costs 25 lakhs," he notes in his comparison of MBA expenses. I am aware that basic essentials are costly in New Zealand, but I can still receive a good and affordable education while keeping an eye on my everyday spending if I so want," he continued.

The reports states that tuition costs differ by field, with the most expensive programs being engineering ($8,372–$10,648) and nursing ($8,011–$10,649), while the most varied programs are health ($7,290–$11,254). Science programs (up to $53,113) and computer science ($36,830–$53,113)

Post-study opportunities

For most students, post-graduation possibilities are also crucial. Attracted by the three-year post-study work visa offer, Neha Singh of Noida will be travelling to the University of Otago to pursue a master's degree in plant biotechnology.

"This will enable me to gain practical experience abroad," Neha said. The prospect of residence is another thing she mentions, saying, "From what I understand, if I work there for a year, I can seek residency." The increasing restrictions on international students in other countries make this option particularly alluring; as Neha observes, "With other countries continuing to put restrictions and limits, it makes it more difficult for them to get ready." 

Academic excellence and practical learning

Aditya V, an MBA student at Auckland's Massey University, emphasised the academic standing of New Zealand. "NZ's universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world," he said. According to Aditya, "all eight of New Zealand's public universities are ranked in the top 3%," underscoring the country's commitment to high-quality education.

He went on to say, "My cousin has completed his education from Massey University, and he stated that their education system is based more on the practical approach to learning than on theoretical learning, and the university maintains good industry relationships."

Government support

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently announced a NZ$260,000 (about ₹1.3 crore) partial scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 during an education-focused event held at IIT Delhi on March 18.

Prime Minister Luxon remarked during the ceremony, which was a major turning point in the New Zealand-Indian education collaboration, "Through the initiatives announced today, we are building stronger connections and empowering future leaders and innovators."