New Zealand’s export sector is wider than many realise, says ExportNZ.

A new report on the value of international education shows it’s a powerhouse of New Zealand exports, ExportNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard said.

The latest Economic Valuation of International Education shows the sector now earns $5.1 billion a year.

International education includes international students coming to study in New Zealand as well as education and training delivered overseas by New Zealand enterprises.

Catherine Beard said there were thousands of New Zealanders involved in providing education for overseas students and hosting them in their homes and communities, and these endeavours last year contributed $4.8 billion to the New Zealand economy.

“This is a significant economic enterprise by New Zealanders all over the country, and it has made international education one of our leading exports.  Earnings from this export enterprise are now on a par with New Zealand’s meat, forestry and horticulture exports.

“Education and training delivered overseas by New Zealand enterprises is also growing and now earns $0.3 billion a year.

“The international education sector is a welcome contributor to New Zealand’s export earnings and a credit to the many New Zealanders involved.”