China remains New Zealand's No 1 student source country as Chinese international students' enrollments increased by 17 percent in 2024 from the previous year, said education officials from New Zealand.

Education is an absolute key aspect of New Zealand-China bilateral relationship, which is built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years, encompassing a wide-range of collaboration across economic, cultural and people-to-people connections, said Amanda Malu, chief executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao.

Malu noted that international students pick New Zealand because of its reputation for high-quality education, internationally recognized qualifications, and being a safe and inclusive place to live and study.?

"Overall international student enrolments, where China is a top source market, saw a 16 percent increase between January and April compared to the same time last year," she said.

Malu said regarding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and artificial intelligence, the local government is making significant targeted investments, and has announced plans to establish a New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, which will focus on frontier technologies, including AI, quantum computing, synthetic biology.

They are also establishing a dedicated AI research platform with substantial funding to enhance research capacity.

"At the high school level, we are refreshing our curriculum to place clear emphasis on technology, AI, and STEM skills. This includes teaching students about digital systems, machine learning, cybersecurity, and digital ethics, ensuring our students are not just users of AI, but thoughtful contributors to this field."

"Chinese students can choose from a wide variety of disciplines in New Zealand. Some students opted for studies in social and cultural fields, as well as management and business," said Ron Xavier, regional director of Education New Zealand Greater China, and counselor of education at New Zealand Embassy Beijing.

Information technology has also become increasingly popular. Meanwhile, natural and physical sciences are favored by Chinese students, he said.

Last year, business management remained the top choice, while Chinese students are showing increasing interest in computer science, linguistics and literature, mathematics, banking, economics, and marketing, Xavier said, adding that Chinese graduates studying in New Zealand are not only able to work there, but also can seek employment opportunities in other countries.