International education exports surge past pre-Covid levels

New Zealand’s international education export earnings have surged to nearly $5 billion, surpassing 2019 pre-Covid levels and delivering a major boost to the New Zealand economy. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the result confirms international education is once again one of New Zealand’s most valuable export sectors. “In the year to June 2019, international education generated $4.4 billion in export earnings. Today, that figure has climbed to $4.98 billion,” Ms Stanford says. “That is a significant milestone for a sector that was hit harder than almost any other by the COVID-19 border closures.” “International education brings billions of dollars into New Zealand, supports jobs and businesses, strengthens our universities and schools, and drives economic activity in communities right across the country.” “That is additional money flowing directly into our communities. It means more customers in local cafés and restaurants, more spending in shops and supermarkets, more demand for accommodation and transport, and more visitors travelling around our regions.” “That means more jobs, stronger local businesses and more money going into communities across New Zealand.” “This is exa