Coping With Demand: Managing International Student Numbers at New Zealand Universities

Export education in New Zealand dates from the 1950s, with international students coming to study through the Commonwealth Colombo Plan. There has been a dramatic increase of international students studying in New Zealand. This research asks the questions: Are New Zealand public universities having to manage the international student numbers they face? If so, by what processes are they managing the numbers, and to what target number or percentages are these New Zealand education institutions aspiring? Selected for the study were the eight public universities in New Zealand. Of all respondents, seven have a target or quota of international students at their institution, ranging from 12% to 20% of the total enrolment. New Zealand public universities, although recognising the important contribution international students make to revenue streams and the internationalisation of their institution, saw it as important to consider other objectives and to manage international student numbers.