New Zealand calculates economic value of international students

A valuation of New Zealand’s international education industry has found that it contributes a total of $2.6 billion to the country’s economy each year.

The valuation, carried out by data analysis company Infometrics, estimated that international students bring $2.5bn a year to the country, and the sale and delivery of the country’s education services and products overseas is worth $104 million a year.

“As well as its economic benefits, international education strengthens New Zealand’s global connections,” said Grant McPherson, chief executive of Education New Zealand, which markets the country’s education industry overseas. “It helps tomorrow’s business partners, investors, politicians and leaders—both from New Zealand and overseas—to form enduring connections and build greater cultural understanding.”