The Education Minister wants to build our numbers of overseas students

Erica Stanford says international education injected 3.6 billion dollars into the country last year.

She's now unveiled plans to extend in-study work rights - aiming to doubling student numbers by 2034.

Universities New Zealand Chief Executive, Chris Whelan, says up to 18 percent of students look for a job in their field of study, while in New Zealand.

He says 10 out of 11 of those students, get degree-level employment - in well-paid, skilled jobs, contributing to the economy.