New Zealand is strengthening its reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming and rewarding study destinations. According to the 2025 International Student Experience Survey by Education New Zealand (ENZ), 87% of international students reported a positive overall experience, with 43% rating it as “excellent”, up from 41% in 2024.
The survey gathered insights from more than 5,400 international students and recent graduates. It also highlighted the continued recovery of New Zealand’s international education sector, with 63,610 international students enrolled between January and April 2025, a 16% increase from 2024 and a 49% rise since 2023.
Students praised several aspects of life and study in New Zealand. The highest-rated areas included the people and connections they made (92%), quality of education (90%), arrival and orientation support (89%), ease of arranging studies (87%), and overall living experience (87%). Perceptions of value for money also improved significantly, rising from 65% to 76%.
New Zealand’s universities continue to play a major role in these positive outcomes. Institutions such as the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, the University of Canterbury, and Victoria University of Wellington are well known for their strong student support, research excellence, and graduate outcomes.
For students considering New Zealand in 2026 and beyond, these results reinforce the country’s reputation for high-quality education, supportive communities, and a safe, friendly environment for international learners.
If you’re planning your New Zealand study journey, StudyIn’s advisors can help you choose the right university, prepare your application, and guide you through every step of the visa process, making your move to New Zealand as smooth as possible.