As of July 5, 2023, New Zealand is experiencing a significant recovery in foreign enrolment, with study visa applications approaching 60% of pre-COVID levels, according to data from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). In the year-to-date, a total of 53,428 student visa applications have been received, out of which 47,057 (88%) have been approved.
This recovery comes after a challenging period in 2020 and 2021 when New Zealand’s borders were closed to international students due to the pandemic. In 2020, only 12,000 student visa applications were received, and the number increased to 30,000 in 2021. The recent increase in visa applications indicates that the country’s efforts to revive foreign enrolment are yielding positive results.
Despite the positive trend, INZ is cautioning students to apply for their visas well in advance of their intended travel dates, as there are some delays in processing applications due to the high volume. INZ’s Acting Chief Executive, Peter Hughes, stressed the importance of applying around four months ahead of intended travel, with at least two months as the minimum lead time. Late applications may face delays and could cause students to miss their start date.
The recovery of foreign enrolment is welcomed by New Zealand’s economy, as international students contribute an estimated $4.5 billion annually. Additionally, they play a vital role in filling skills shortages in various industries. To further support the growth of the international education sector, the government has committed to attracting more international students to New Zealand. In the 2023-24 budget, several measures were announced, including a new marketing campaign and an increase in the number of student visas available.
With the recovery well underway, New Zealand is in a favorable position to continue attracting more international students in the years to come, benefiting both the education sector and the overall economy.