New Zealand hits international student preference target nearly a decade early with 22 percent top choice

22% now list it first across 11 global markets

New Zealand has reached its national goal for international student preference almost a decade ahead of schedule, with 22% of prospective applicants ranking the country among their top choices. The growth, seen across 11 global markets, suggests a move beyond awareness toward genuine selection, positioning New Zealand as an increasingly active study destination for international students.