International Student Demographic Shifts and Wellbeing Strategies in New Zealand Higher Education: A Case Study of AUT University in the Post-Covid Era (2020-2026)

Abstract

This research emphasises analysing the international student demographic shift and wellbeing strategies in "AUT" for the higher education perspective in New Zealand. This research presented a background that illustrates that the number of international students significantly increased at AUT in the post-COVID period. Multiple recovery strategies were implemented by the University to attract international students towards higher study. These strategies included, the university implementing mental health assistance, student advisory services, social integration activities and financial support to ensure the wellbeing of the international students. The literature review emphatically revealed that universities experienced uneven recovery of student mobility, higher diversification and admissions from different countries and support services and wellbeing. The university also experienced a major transition in the international students’ demography in terms of country of origin, enrolment number and level of study. However, mental health counselling services, flexible learning models and peer support and social integration programmes remain required to strengthen the wellbeing approach.“Berry’s Acculturation Theory” helped in understanding the cultural parameters and norms international students adopt. “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory” helped in understanding the diverse needs of the international students. This study incorporated AUT published data from “Student Services and Administration (SSA)” and annual reports to perform documentation analysis supported by thematic analysis.

The finding revealed that AUT experienced a significant transition in the population trends of the international students between 2020 and 2026. Uplifting travel restrictions and visa flexibility created the opportunity for international students from China, Japan, India, Vietnam and other countries to enrol for higher study. The university experienced growth in Asian students below the age of 25 years. International students enrolled in graduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes; with postgraduate degree programmes having the highest enrolment numbers. Findings also revealed that AUT also implements the "pastoral care of tertiary and international learner" framework, "Taha Wairua” initiative and “Tautoko” initiative. These remain quite effective to make the wellbeing strategies more versatile and result oriented. Additionally, the campus clinic and immunisation advisory centre provided phone counselling and vaccination, which addressed the health safety needs of the international students.

Finally, this research concluded that the demographic transition of the international students significantly enhanced international enrolment numbers and international student diversity at AUT. An effective wellbeing strategy remained the centre of attraction, which provided significant health facilities to international students subsequently eradicating any safety concerns that they may have had while pursuing higher education studies at AUT.