"We've increased our targets to 35 per cent growth by 2017, which we think is more aligned with government targets."
China and India were big markets nationally for students coming to New Zealand, particularly in the past year, Mrs Young said.
"Tauranga hasn't taken a big share of the Chinese market. We're taking a delegation of schools and institutes to China in March to promote Tauranga. There's more of a drive to move Chinese students away from Auckland because of oversaturation of the market.
"We've got a few Chinese students here but we think we can increase our numbers."
Meanwhile, Tauranga City Council is proposing to boost its funding assistance for international marketing to attract more tertiary students to the city.
Economic development agency Priority One would take responsibility for allocating most of the planned $107,000 increase in the economic development targeted rate on Tauranga's commercial ratepayers.
A report to the council this week said the proposed 5 per cent increase in the rate would support local tertiary education organisations and "innovative" business clusters by identifying investment opportunities.
The extra money would be used to accelerate marketing to attract international students, research collaborations, and build on partnerships with Education New Zealand, Tauranga's sister cities, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and business marketing campaigns.
The council decision will be tested against public opinion as part of its 2015-25 long term plan.
Student sold on active life
Shawn Jang, 11, loves Tauranga so much he doesn't want to return to Korea.
Shawn and his mother Jenna Lee moved to Tauranga in 2013 on the recommendation of a friend whose son had also studied in the city.
Mrs Lee said New Zealand education was different to what was offered in Korea.
"My son has been studying while sitting outside on the grass.
"In Korea, you're always at a table for six or eight hours, except for one or two sports days each week.
"Shawn loves all the sports he can do here."
Shawn has been at Greenpark School since he arrived in Tauranga but this year will be moving on to Tauranga Intermediate.
He returns to Korea at the end of the year but, if he had his way, he would remain here.
"I've liked Greenpark School. I really liked the teachers."
He enjoyed walking up Mauao and said his favourite thing about Tauranga was its environment.
He had also learned to surf while living in the city, an activity he would not be able to continue in Korea.
Mrs Lee had also studied while in Tauranga, taking English classes at a private training institute.
"I've enjoyed it. It's been a good experience for me."
