New Zealand Grows Education Partnerships At One Of China’s Largest International Education Events

New Zealand education took centre stage at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE) and China Education Expo (CEE) in Beijing, where New Zealand was honoured as the 2025 Country of Honour.

New Zealand’s Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, led a delegation of 25 tertiary education providers to China for the conference.

During the visit, Minister Reti met with Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng, opened the second New Zealand-China High-Level Education Forum, and the New Zealand Pavilion at CEE. He also met with Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Dr Yin Hejun to advance bilateral research and science cooperation.

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Chief Executive Amanda Malu says the event was a powerful platform to highlight the quality and innovation of New Zealand’s education system to one of our most important global education partners.

“Being the Country of Honour at CACIE and CEE gave us an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate why New Zealand is a world-class education destination,” says Malu.

“Our education offering is backed by strong student outcomes and a reputation for safety, inclusivity, and innovation, qualities that resonate strongly with Chinese students and their families.”

The New Zealand Pavilion at CEE attracted thousands of prospective students, parents, and education partners, while CACIE provided a forum for high-level engagement between New Zealand and Chinese education leaders.

The visit saw ENZ sign a letter of intent with the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange to strengthen cooperation, specifically institutional relationships across vocational education, higher education, and schools.

Another significant outcome was the formalisation of 32 new partnerships between New Zealand education institutions and their Chinese counterparts, with many focused on transnational education programmes.

“These partnerships are more than agreements on paper, they represent real opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and pathways for students to experience the best of both countries,” Malu says.

“China continues to be a key partner in our international education sector, and events like CACIE reinforce the trust and mutual respect that underpin this relationship.”

With over 22,000 Chinese students enrolled in New Zealand in the first term of 2025, the strong interest at CEE reflects the enduring appeal of a New Zealand education.

“International students consistently tell us that their experience in New Zealand is positive and transformative,” Malu adds.

“That lived experience is our strongest endorsement, and it’s why we’re confident that the connections made at CACIE will translate into more students choosing New Zealand as their study destination.”

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