The government have revealed that international student enrolment figures in the Bay of Plenty region are up 18 per cent compared to last year.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce announced the rise today, after figures from January to August showed a significant increase when compared with the same period in 2014.

A total of 4,008 international students studied in the Bay of Plenty between January and August. Photo: File.

The International Education Snapshot report shows a 13 per cent growth across New Zealand in the first eight months of this year – a figure that equates to 11,760 international students.

'There were 612 additional enrolments from January-August in the Bay of Plenty,” says Steven, 'and a total of 4,008 international students studied in the Bay over that period.

'It's great to see the region reflect the national trend and continue growth.”

International education is New Zealand's fifth-largest export industry, contributing an estimated $2.85 billion to the economy annually and supporting more than 30,000 jobs.

'Growing international education in the regions is a priority for government,” says Steven, 'which is why in October I announced $2m to attract students into the regions, through the Regional Partnership programme.

'International students bring with them a significant economic contribution to the region where they study, but equally important are the international connections.

'After studying here they go home as lifelong ambassadors for New Zealand and the Bay of Plenty.

'These students also help us to understand more about the countries we visit and do trade with and bring valuable knowledge to New Zealand students.”