The Growing Importance and Reliance on International Students in New Zealand Universities: A Looming Crisis

Education, and especially tertiary education, is vital for people preparing for the workforce. Students have a range of choices for higher education, from domestic tertiary institutions to the option of studying overseas. A number of factors influence this choice, such as the perceived benefits of living in an English speaking country and the prestige of gaining an international qualification. New Zealand is a popular destination for many students. They expect a friendly, safe and culturally tolerant society, and to a large extent their expectations are met. In 2012, the New Zealand government tightened the eligibility for allowances for domestic undergraduate students and eliminated them for domestic post graduate study. As a result the number of domestic enrolments in tertiary education has reduced. This has been balanced by an increasing number of international students coming to New Zealand. However, many educational institutions are becoming dependent on the fees of international students. This research examines the current state of the international student market in New Zealand. Additionally, the urgency of planning for any sudden reduction in the numbers of international students is highlighted and conclusions about how these institutions can best plan for survival should the international student market bubble burst.