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New Zealand student experience hits record high in 2026 survey
The 2026 New Zealand International Student Experience Survey, released on 2 November 2026, shows a record high in overall satisfaction among international students. The findings cover education, living, work experience and cost perceptions, highlighting both strengths and ongoing challenges for the sector.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Student experience scores reached record highs in the 2026 survey
- Timing
- Survey published on 2 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Current and prospective international students in New Zealand
The details
- Announced by
- Education New Zealand (ENZ)
- Takes effect
- Nov 2, 2026
- Previous rule
- In 2025, 87% of respondents rated their overall experience positively and work experience was rated positively by 55% of students.
- New rule
- In 2026, 90% of respondents rated their overall experience positively, 47% described it as excellent, and work experience remained at 55% positive.
Survey release and methodology
Education New Zealand published the 2026 International Student Experience Survey on 2 November 2026. The questionnaire gathered responses from 6,129 international students representing more than 100 nationalities, making it the most comprehensive data set since the survey began in 2019.
Overall satisfaction and living/education scores
Nine in ten students rated their overall experience positively, the highest level recorded. Forty‑seven percent described their experience as excellent, also a record. Education and living experiences each received their highest scores since 2019, with 91% and 90% positive ratings respectively. Connections with people scored 93%, while arrival and orientation reached 92%.
- Teachers, supervisors and tutors were rated supportive and respectful by 93% of respondents
- Safety perception was positive for 91% of students
Work experience challenges and future focus
Work experience remained the lowest‑rated aspect, with only 55% of students giving a positive rating, unchanged from 2025. Just 33% felt it was easy to find part‑time work during their studies, reflecting a tight employment market that affects both domestic and international students. ENZ chief executive David Downs highlighted the need to strengthen links between study, employers and career pathways.
Cost pressures continue to concern students, even though perceived value for money rose to a record 78%. Living, education and travel costs were still seen as less positive.
- Government’s International Education Going for Growth plan aims to increase enrolments by 35,000 and double sector value by 2034
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Prospective students may view New Zealand as a more attractive study destination based on the record satisfaction scores
- Existing bookings are unaffected; no travel or entry requirements have changed
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the survey results
- Cost considerations remain unchanged; students should continue to budget for living, tuition and travel expenses
What you need to do
- Students should monitor future policy updates that may address the work‑experience challenge highlighted in the survey
- Education providers may use the findings to improve support services and employer connections
Who this affects
-
Current international students in New Zealand
The survey reflects their lived experience of education, living conditions and work opportunities
What to do No immediate action required; students should stay informed of any policy changes responding to the survey
-
Prospective international students
Survey results provide insight into the overall satisfaction and challenges they may face
What to do Consider the high satisfaction scores when making study destination decisions
-
New Zealand education providers
Findings highlight strengths and areas needing improvement, such as work experience access
What to do Use the data to shape support services, employer partnerships and marketing strategies
Frequently asked questions
What did the 2026 New Zealand International Student Experience Survey reveal?
It showed a record high in overall satisfaction, with 90% of students rating their experience positively and 47% describing it as excellent, while work experience remained the lowest‑rated aspect at 55% positive.
How did student satisfaction change from 2025 to 2026?
Overall positive ratings rose from 87% in 2025 to 90% in 2026, and the proportion describing their experience as excellent increased to 47%, the highest level since the survey began.
What rating did work experience receive in the 2026 survey?
Work experience was rated positively by 55% of respondents, unchanged from the 2025 survey and identified as the lowest‑rated aspect among the seven measured areas.
Did the survey identify any challenges for international students?
Yes, students highlighted difficulty finding part‑time work, with only 33% finding it easy, and expressed concerns about living, education and travel costs despite an improved perception of value for money.
How might the survey results affect future study plans in New Zealand?
The strong satisfaction scores may encourage more prospective students to choose New Zealand, while the identified work‑experience gap could lead to policy initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities for students.
