WELLINGTON - New Zealand on Monday launched a strategy to become a leading destination for international students, aiming to double the sector's economic contribution to 7.2 billion NZ dollars by 2034.

The plan includes enhanced work rights for student visa holders, streamlined visa processes, and targeted global promotion to attract more students and boost the country's reputation as a premier study destination.

In a statement on Monday, Education Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the vital role of international education, which contributed 3.6 billion NZ dollars to the New Zealand economy in 2024.

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International students not only support research and innovation but also drive investment, productivity, and job creation across the country, the minister said, adding that last year the average international student spent 45,000 NZ dollars, benefiting local businesses and tourism.

From November, New Zealand will raise in-study work rights for eligible student visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week and extend these rights to all tertiary students in approved exchange or study abroad programs, including one-semester courses, Stanford said.

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Authorities are considering a six-month short-term work visa for international graduates who don't qualify for post-study work rights, allowing them time to seek employment under the Accredited Employer Work Visa pathway, she said.

The plan sets clear targets such as increasing international student enrolments from 83,700 to 119,000 by 2034, and boosting the proportion of prospective students ranking New Zealand among their top three choices from 18 percent to 22 percent in the same period.