International education is an important area of work for the government and the Ministry of Education. This theme page provides a snapshot of the key elements of work in this area, access to research and statistical information related to international education in New Zealand.

International Education: Publications, Statistics, Indicators and Information

For links to: international publications and statistics and indicators for the education sector please refer to 'Related Pages' inset box (top right).  For further information (e.g  the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, ESOL provision, studying in New Zealand etc), please refer to the external websites under the 'Where to find out More' inset box (right).

International Education Policy

International education in New Zealand is being grown and shaped by several key policies.

The Government's Economic Growth Agenda identifies international education as an area that can contribute more to New Zealand's economic growth. Legislation was introduced into Parliament on 6 April 2011 to establish a new Crown agency for international education, Education New Zealand, to help in achieving this greater contribution. The agency began operations on 1 September 2011. It will enhance the marketing and promotion of New Zealand and New Zealand education providers, and carry out overseas representation.

The Ministry of Education will, however, retain a focus on international education, complementing that of Education New Zealand. The Ministry will take the lead on New Zealands education relationships with multilateral organisations, regulating education providers involved in export education and promoting better support of international students, working with Immigration New Zealand to ensure immigrating settings for interational students are optimal, and encouraging greater interationalisation of the curriculum across the education system.

It includes targets to:

• increase annual revenues from providing education services offshore to at least $0.5 billion
• develop and sustain mutually beneficial education relationships with key partner countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas
• increase the number of international students enrolled in New Zealand providers offshore, from 3,000 to 10,000
• double the number of international postgraduate students (particularly in programmes in addition to those at PhD level) from 10,000 to 20,000
• increase the transition rate from study to residence for international university students
• increase New Zealanders' skills and knowledge to operate effectively across cultures.

International Education Resources

International Education Publications

The Ministry undertakes and commissions a considerable amount of research, much of which is being utilised in the development of international education policies. International Education Publications  are released on Education Counts.  The following three publications contain international education information:

Leadership Statement for International Education
The Government has prepared the first version of a Leadership Statement for International Education, which sets bold aspirations for the growth that we want to achieve over the next 15 years and beyond.

Ministry of Education: Statements of Intent
The Ministry of Education's Statement of Intent sets out the key elements of how we will contribute to the delivery of the Governments priorities for education.

Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students
The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students provides a framework for minimum standards, good practice procedures and a complaints procedure in relation to the hosting of international students in New Zealand schools and tertiary institutions. All providers enrolling international students must comply with the Code.

International Education Statistics

The Ministry of Education holds various collections of statistical information obtained through Ministry of Education processes, including data on student participation and achievement, and sector performance across a range of educational and financial criteria.  International Education Statistics includes information relating to:

• students' international learning
• international students in New Zealand
• internationalisation of education providers in New Zealand
• benefits of international education for New Zealand

Education Sector Indicators

A set of Education Sector Indicators has been developed to help assess and monitor the 'health' of education in New Zealand. The indicators focus on the outcomes of education and training, and the important influences on those outcomes.

Indicators assist us to identify key strengths and weaknesses in the education sector and monitor the progress, or lack of progress, being made towards key educational goals.

A fundamental principle of our approach to monitoring is that where an indicator is thought to be worthy of monitoring, it should be monitored by separate ethnic groups as well as the total population. Two-thirds of the indicators have information on Māori, including tables of information.