New Zealand to invest NZ$2.5 million to help schools recruit international students

New Zealand is investing up to NZ$2.5 million in a new support service to help more schools recruit, enrol and retain international students from 2027, as the government seeks to broaden participation in its international education sector.

Education New Zealand (ENZ) has selected academyEX as its preferred provider following a competitive tender process. The contract begins in October 2026, with ENZ responsible for overseeing implementation.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the initiative would support both schools with established international student programmes and those that have struggled to enter the market.

The service will provide tools, templates and resources, alongside training, coaching and advice covering the international student journey. Support will be tailored to individual schools, including those recruiting overseas students for the first time and those seeking to expand existing programmes.

Schools face recruitment and accommodation barriers

Around 611 schools in New Zealand currently enrol international students. However, the government has identified several barriers preventing wider participation, including limited expertise in international recruitment, enrolment and student support.

Schools can also struggle to establish networks overseas and secure homestay accommodation for international students. The new service is intended to help institutions address these challenges and build the capacity needed to manage international enrolments.

academyEX will also work with international education stakeholders and draw on expertise within schools to encourage institutions to share knowledge and experience.

Stanford said international students bring new perspectives, cultures and global connections to schools and communities, while helping prepare young people for an increasingly connected world.

Part of New Zealand’s international education growth plan

The initiative forms part of the government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, which targets 105,000 international student enrolments by 2027 and NZ$7.2 billion in export earnings from the sector by 2034.

The government is seeking to spread the benefits of international education beyond schools that already have established overseas recruitment operations. Alongside educational and cultural exchange, international students contribute spending to local communities.

The new service is focused on helping schools build recruitment and student-support capacity. The announcement does not specify how many additional schools are expected to enrol international students as a result of the initiative.