As international education continues to attract millions of students worldwide, New Zealand has solidified its position as a top destination for Indian students seeking quality education abroad. With its English-speaking environment, transparent policies, and affordable tuition fees, New Zealand has become an attractive choice for Indian students.
Significant Growth in Indian Student Population
According to Education New Zealand data, the number of Indian students rose from 7,930 in 2023 to 10,640 by August 2024, marking a 34% growth. Currently, Indian students account for 11% of all international students in New Zealand, making India the second-largest source of students after China.
Demographic Breakdown and Key Statistics
The data also reveals that the number of female students doubled between 2023 and 2024. By 2030, New Zealand aims to host over 40,000 Indian students. This exponential growth is a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to providing quality education and welcoming international students.
- Indian students account for 11% of all international students in New Zealand
- Growth rate of 34% between 2023 and 2024
- Number of female students doubled between 2023 and 2024
New Visa Regulations and Scholarships Enhance Indian Student Experience
New Zealand has granted special exemptions to Indian students in its visa and admission processes. India has joined the list of eight countries receiving International Qualification Assessment (IQA) exemptions, making it easier for Indian students to have their academic credentials recognized.
Benefits of Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive destination for international students. These include:
- Affordable tuition fees compared to other Western countries
- English-speaking learning environment
- Transparent visa and admission process
- Scholarships up to ₹10 lakhs for Indian students
- Post-study work opportunities for up to 3 years
- Globally ranked universities with diverse programs
Global Rankings of New Zealand Universities
All eight New Zealand universities feature in the QS World Rankings 2026, highlighting their academic excellence. Several top-ranked universities in New Zealand attract a large number of Indian students every year. Among the most popular are the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington.
Popular Fields of Study
International students can choose from a wide range of programs in various fields, including engineering, data science, business analytics, hospitality & tourism, nursing & healthcare, and many more.
New Zealand’s strong academic reputation, combined with its welcoming environment and opportunities for growth, makes it an ideal destination for international students. With rising student numbers and exclusive benefits for Indian applicants, New Zealand is poised to continue its rise as a top study abroad destination for years to come.
Summary
New Zealand has emerged as a top study abroad destination for Indian students due to its affordable tuition fees, English-speaking environment, transparent policies, and post-study work opportunities. With a 34% growth in the number of Indian students between 2023 and 2024, New Zealand is committed to providing quality education and welcoming international students. As the country continues to attract more students from India, it solidifies its position as a leader in global education.
Source: Sakshi Education
