International student numbers up

Steven Joyce

International student numbers in Hawke's Bay continue to grow, with 2014 enrolments up 8 per cent on 2013, to 1222 students.

The results were outlined in the latest International Education Snapshot report released by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce.

The region's growth was led by more enrolments at private training establishments.

Education New Zealand general manager, government and partners, John Goulter, said education providers worked hard to grow international education in the region, "so it's pleasing to see their growth continue and reflect the national trend".

International education is New Zealand's fifth largest export industry. It contributes an estimated $2.85 billion to the economy annually and supports more than 30,000 jobs.

"Clearly the economic contribution of international students is significant, but equally important are the less quantifiable but just as valuable links and connections created between regions and countries," Mr Goulter said.

"We work and live in an increasingly small world, and understanding more about the countries we visit and trade with is important for today's students entering tomorrow's workforce.

"Your international students help to put the Hawke's Bay on the radar of friends and family back home, and for local exporters, they're a potential pool of talent on your doorstep."

More than 400 international students from 60 countries enrolled at EIT this year.

There has been a drop in German enrolments at New Zealand high schools over the past two years because their gap year is a year earlier.