Enrolment of Indian students in New Zealand likely to grow 93.9% in next 5 years: University Living report

NEW DELHI: University Living, a global accommodation service provider, has released a report ‘Beyond Beds & Benches - Decoding ANZ’s Education System’ on international student’s enrolment in Australia and New Zealand, particularly from India.

As per the report, the Indian students in the New Zealand universities is expected grow by 93.9% from 22,225 to 24,594, in the next five years (2025-2030), making it as a strong alternative to study destinations. The report focuses on the shifting landscape of higher education in Oceania, with a focus on New Zealand and Australia, where enrolment of Indian students are on the rise.

The report also highlights key scope and challenges for universities, policy makers, and accommodation providers as they evolve with growing demand. New Zealand’s education system is known for its high quality, inclusivity, and student-centered approach, offering a flexible framework for critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills, the report added.

The country’s higher education system is governed by the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The framework surrounds 10 levels of qualifications, each reflecting a progression in complexity and depth of study.

“Higher education qualifications typically span from Level 5 to Level 10. The NZQF levels range from certificates to doctoral degrees, with each level designed to build progressively on knowledge and skills. Higher education institutions include universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and Private Training Establishments (PTEs),” the report reads.

Why study in New Zealand?

With internationally recognised degrees, and a relatively low cost of living, the world-class universities in New Zealand offers diverse academic programmes and an innovative education system that emphasises "hands-on" leaning and critical thinking.

Here are some points that makes New Zealand one of the top study aboard destinations in the world.

• Globally Recognized Education System
• Diverse Study Options
• Pathways and Flexibility
• Strong Research Focus
• World-Class Institutions
• Work Opportunities
• Post-Study Work Options
• High-Quality of Life
• Safe and Multicultural Environment
• Scholarships and Financial Aid

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Tuition fee for international students

The universities in New Zealand provides several professional courses, including engineering and nursing. The tuition fee for undergraduate (UG) programme in engineering costs 8,372 dollars (Rs 7,17,215.84) to 10,648 dollar (Rs 9,12,197.12) while the cost of nursing course is 8,011 dollars (Rs 6,86,289.55) to 10,649 dollars (Rs 9,12,282.79).

For postgraduate courses, the tuition fee are higher with Master in Business Administration (MBA) at 30,131 dollars (Rs 25,81,274.56), followed by engineering and architecture programmes more than 10,000 dollars (Rs 8,56,684.00).

Top universities in New Zealand

Several universities in the country known for their research, innovation, and academic excellence. These institutions provide various programmes at UG, PG and doctoral level courses, and invite students from around the globe.

List of top universities

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• Massey University
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Waikato
• University of Canterbury
• Linkcoln University
• Auckland University of Technology

Higher education in New Zealand: Highlights

Country's education system provides high quality, inclusivity, and student-centered approach, offering a flexible framework, nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills.

• Global Recognition: NZQF qualifications are highly regarded and aligned with international frameworks, attracting foreign students.
• Flexible Pathways: Students can transition between academic and vocational tracks, ensuring diverse career options.
• Quality Assurance: The NZQA ensures all institutions maintain high standards in teaching, assessment, and research.
• Inclusivity: Higher education is accessible to both domestic and international students, with scholarships and funding.

The number of higher education institutions in New Zealand includes eight universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), three Wānanga (Māori Tertiary Institutions), more than 700 Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and over 100 english language schools.

New Zealand has a smooth visa process and strong work-rights policies, and recently, it has also announced NZ$10,000 scholarships for high-achieving Indian students, the report stated.

Moreover, Australia and New Zealand both have introduced visa policy reforms to hook international students, enhancing accessibility to both countries. “Australia's extended post-study work rights and New Zealand's streamlined visa pathways create greater opportunities for students seeking global education and career advancement,” the report said.

Australia, the US, and Canada, on the other hand, remain a global leader in international education, with nearly 875,000 Indian students in these countries. The report states that Indian students prefer destinations with flexible work-study options and multicultural environments.

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Global Tertiary Education Trends

As per the trends, the global tertiary education landscape is evolving rapidly, which is driven by international student mobility, technological advancements, and a growing demand for specialised skills.

More than 6 million students are pursuing education abroad in 2023, and the figure is expected to rise to 8 million by 2030. Countries such as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, remain preferred destinations, offering high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and promising post-study opportunities.

“With these progressive policy changes, international students--especially from India--are increasingly exploring study opportunities in these regions. The rising demand for student accommodation further reinforces Australia and New Zealand's positions as leading global education hubs," the report concluded.