New Zealand's polytechnics are experiencing a faster-than-expected return of foreign students, with enrollments projected to reach around 4,900 full-
New Zealand’s polytechnics are experiencing a faster-than-expected return of foreign students, with enrollments projected to reach around 4,900 full-time equivalent students this year, up from 2,800 last year. Before the pandemic in 2019, the country had about 11,000 full-time equivalent international students. The strong rebound is providing much-needed revenue for the Te Pลซkenga institute amid significant deficits. While hospitality and tourism courses saw a slight decline in international enrollments, business, IT, and health courses remained popular. New students, particularly from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, are enrolling at a higher rate, and the institute expects total foreign student numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. Despite initial concerns about changes to work and residence rules, international students still find New Zealand an attractive study destination with a pathway to residency.
