International students pumped $55 million into the Bay economy and supported 494 jobs in the last financial year.
New research showing the economic benefits of international education for regions across New Zealand revealed that Bay of Plenty hosted 4993 international students in 2015/16.
Those students contributed $55 million to the local economy and directly supported 494 jobs. Indirectly, international education supported 816 jobs and generated value added of $86 million.
The eight Regional Economic Impact Reports detail living costs, tuition fees, average spend per student, the number of jobs supported and economic value of international education.
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller said it was great news for the region.