International students hone in on Auckland

MEDIA RELEASE

15 December 2009

International students hone in on Auckland

Auckland continues to lead the way in attracting international fee-paying students, with a two percent increase in students this year.

The latest Ministry of Education figures – January to August 2009 – report an increase of more than 4,000 international students in New Zealand and of those 3,655 came to Auckland.

The increase in students surpasses all other regions with Auckland now securing 56.7 percent of the total market share.

Tourism Auckland chief executive, Graeme Osborne, says it’s an excellent result and a trend that he expects will continue.

“Auckland is a desirable destination for international students. It’s well connected, has a range of education options and of course the lifestyle appeal of a diverse, world-class city,” he says.

“To gain this increase in students in the midst of a global economic downtown is especially pleasing. These young people put money into our communities and spend time as visitors exploring the region.”

Students come from around the globe, with the markets of Germany, Thailand, France, Brazil, Vietnam, India, Saudi Arabia and Fiji all showing strong growth.

Education Minister, Anne Tolley, says that education is one of New Zealand’s top three service exports.

“Last year it contributed $2.1 billion to our economy, supported more than 32,000 jobs and provided our education institutions with nearly $600 million in fees," she says.

The Auckland region dominates the international student market with a contribution of 54 percent of the total value-added GDP.[1]  

Study Auckland, a business unit within Tourism Auckland, promotes the region to international students as a desirable destination to study and live.

[1] The Economic Impact of Export Education. A report jointly commissioned by Education New Zealand and the Ministry of Education, June 2008.
 

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