The 2025 Report on Studying in New Zealand was released by EIC Education in Beijing on Saturday, offering students a comprehensive look at the country's study policies and education opportunities.

Based on official New Zealand government data, EIC client data and proprietary surveys, the report outlines the national education framework, application guidance, recommended fields and regions of study, and work visa policies.

The report follows New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's official visit to China from June 17 to 20. Ahead of the trip, New Zealand announced that starting in November, it will trial a visa waiver program for Chinese passport holders traveling from Australia who hold valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visas.

China is New Zealand's largest source of international students. "We are proud to welcome Chinese students to our world-class institutions," Luxon said during his visit to China.

New Zealand's higher education system includes eight public universities, 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics, and hundreds of private training establishments. All eight universities ranked in the top 500 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, according to the report.

Chinese students most commonly choose programs in business and technology, early childhood education, hospitality and tourism management, and animation and film post-production.

As of August last year, 25,175 students from the Chinese mainland were studying in New Zealand, a 5 percent increase from the year before, according to Education New Zealand. Of those, 58 percent were enrolled in universities.

Education New Zealand data show that 41 percent of Chinese students last year pursued bachelor's degrees, 15 percent studied at the master's level, and 5 percent were enrolled in doctoral programs. Popular fields included social and cultural studies, management and business, information technology, natural and physical sciences, and creative arts.

Since student visa processing resumed in August 2022, the number of new visas granted to Chinese applicants rose by 759 percent that year, increased by 117 percent in 2023, and reached 10,008 last year. Approval rates remain high, averaging 96 percent last year — well above the global average of 88 percent.

EIC's survey of Chinese students found that New Zealand's natural beauty and quality of life, along with its stable and safe society, were top reasons for choosing the country. Cost-effectiveness and favorable immigration and employment policies were also important factors.

Most Chinese students in New Zealand are concentrated in Auckland, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington and Otago. More than 40 percent plan to remain in the country after graduation, the report said.

Government data from the fourth quarter of last year show that the highest-paying sectors in New Zealand include financial and insurance services, information media and telecommunications, and utilities.