Wellington international student numbers continue to rise

Wellington international student numbers continue to rise

The numbers of international students in Wellington continue to rise with particularly strong growth for schools and in the institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITP) sector.

Education New Zealand 2013 report show the region’s school sector grew 11 percent in 2013 (national average of 2 percent) and the ITP sector grew an impressive 18 percent (national average of minus 1 percent).

Overall, there was a 3 percent increase in international student enrolments in the Wellington region.

Gerard Quinn, chief executive of Grow Wellington, the region’s economic development agency, says Wellington is well-placed to grow the international student market.

“The increase in international students throughout the Wellington region reflects the fact that we have some of the best schools and educational institutions, all the vibrancy of the capital city and a beautiful region from which to experience our country.

“It’s no surprise that Wellington is the destination of choice for smart, ambitious and imaginative students from all over the world,” says Mr Quinn.

In 2014, Grow Wellington’s programme Education Wellington promoted Wellington in South East Asia, Japan and China as well as hosting three delegations of education agents from Japan and China.

“As just one example, we were recently involved in the Wellington City Council delegation to Japan and China and there was real interest in Wellington as a destination for students.”

International students contribute around $177 million to the Wellington economy.

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