Nine in 10 international students rated their overall experience positively in the 2026 New Zealand International Student Experience Survey.
Overall satisfaction reaches a survey high
Nine in 10 international students rated their overall experience positively in the 2026 New Zealand International Student Experience Survey. Almost half, 47%, described their experience as “excellent”. Both measures reached their highest levels since the survey began in 2019. The survey heard from six thousand one hundred twenty-nine international students. The results distinguish between students who viewed their experience positively overall and those who used the strongest rating.¹
David Downs, ENZ chief executive, said students valued both their education and their experience of living in New Zealand. “Students have delivered a pretty clear verdict. They value the education they receive here, however, just as importantly they value the experience of living here and the connections they make with people,” he said. His comment reflects the survey’s combination of education, daily life and relationships in its assessment of the student experience.¹
David Downs, ENZ chief executive, said students valued both their education and their experience of living in New Zealand.
Living experience and connections score strongly
Some 91% of students rated their education experience positively, while 90% were positive about their living experience. Living experience had the strongest influence on overall satisfaction, followed by education. The results therefore show both high ratings for the two broad parts of student life and a difference in how strongly each shaped students’ overall verdict. Education remained a strong part of the picture, but living experience had the greater influence on satisfaction.¹
People and connections was the highest-rated area, at 93%, while arrival and orientation reached a record 92%. Some 93% described their teachers, supervisors and tutors as supportive and respectful. Separately, 91% rated New Zealand positively as a safe place to live. These results cover relationships, the start of students’ arrival experience, support in learning and perceptions of safety—several distinct parts of living and studying in the country.¹
Work experience remains the weakest area
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Read More →Work experience remained the lowest-rated of the seven aspects measured, with 55% of students rating it positively. The result was weaker still on a specific practical measure: just 33% were positive about the ease of finding part-time work during their studies. The two readings describe a broad assessment of work experience and students’ views on finding part-time jobs. Together, they locate the weakest results in the work-related part of the survey.¹
Perceptions of value for money improved to a survey high of 78%. That rating measures students’ view of value, a different question from whether they can find part-time work. The distinction matters when reading the results together: a survey-high assessment in one area does not describe every part of student life. The overall picture includes strong satisfaction alongside a clear gap in work-related ratings.¹
Enrolments and export earnings rise under growth plan
The government announced its International Education Going for Growth plan in 2025. It set an ambition to increase international enrolments by thirty-five thousand and aimed to nearly double the sector’s value to NZ $7.2 billion by 2034. Those are separate targets: one counts additional enrolments, while the other sets a value for the sector. The plan puts growth in student numbers and growth in the sector’s economic value side by side.¹
International education export earnings have reached NZ $4.98 billion, above the sector’s pre-pandemic value of NZ $4.403 billion in the year to June 2019. New Zealand recorded ninety-two thousand five hundred eighty international student enrolments in 2025 and is on track for around ninety-nine thousand in 2026. Earnings measure export value, while enrolment totals count students; together, the figures track two different parts of the sector’s growth.¹
That rating measures students’ view of value, a different question from whether they can find part-time work.
Plan for the Work Gap
If you are weighing New Zealand as a study destination, treat the work side as your main risk. Only 33% of students found part-time work easy to get, and work experience rated lowest of seven areas. Before you commit, ask the institution about job support, placement timelines, and typical wages. A high satisfaction score does not erase a weak job market for students.¹
For recruiters and hiring managers, the survey shows a gap between what students praise and what they struggle with. People and connections scored 93%, but practical work access lagged. When you interview international graduates, probe for actual work experience rather than assuming it came easily. The sector is growing toward 99,000 enrolments in 2026, so more graduates will enter your pipeline with this same gap.¹
Sources
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Read More →Written by Career Ahead AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify key facts. Report errors to support@careeraheadonline.com
