The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception. Enterprises, nations, and educational bodies seek to adjust to the omnipresence of AI. As a result, there is an alarming need for AI-related degrees among the universities in New Zealand. As the demand for the next technological boom rises, students are now enrolling in courses in machine learning, data science, and even AI ethics.
In recent years, New Zealand has displayed a new trend of students enrolling in AI as well as allied courses including Machine Learning. According to the AI Business Productivity Report 2024 by the AI Forum of New Zealand, the integration of artificial intelligence into education and workforce training has seen significant progress, aligning with global trends. Students are encouraged to study in New Zealand since the education system is world-class and is strong in focus on innovation and sustainability, whether they are from New Zealand or overseas.
New Zealand's reputation for offering high-quality education and a welcoming environment for international students has made its AI programs particularly attractive. As recent statistics show, in 2023 the country's schools, universities, language institutes, and vocational institutions hosted some 69,135 international students - this represented a 67% increase on the total number recorded in the previous year.
The growing AI job market is directly related to the rising demand for AI degrees. According to an AI Forum survey, 29% of companies have seen a decrease in the demand for new hiring as a result of AI's capacity to automate procedures.
Roles such as machine learning engineer, AI ethicist, and data scientist are increasingly sought after, offering competitive salaries and exciting career paths. Employers in New Zealand and abroad value graduates with strong AI foundations, making these programs a strategic investment for students.
The AI Forum in New Zealand has also predicted that by 2035, AI could significantly boost the nation's GDP, underscoring the need to prepare the future generation with AI know-how.
The other problem with scaling back is that there are relatively few qualified faculty members to offer courses, not to mention the advanced infrastructure required. As universities scale back AI programs, the most important thing is to incorporate AI ethics, to impress on students their responsibility in creating fair and responsible AI solutions.
New Zealand universities position themselves as pioneers in the field of AI education, keeping a balance between depth of theory and ability to practice so graduates can thrive in a future where the primary mechanisms of innovation and problem-solving will be deeply tied to the practical application of AI.
New Zealand’s focus on growing its AI capabilities bodes well for the future of its students and industry. Coupled with strong academic programs and industry partnerships, such a forward-looking approach positions the country to become a center for global AI talent.
Today, artificial intelligence is not science fiction, it is a very important set of skills that is creating new jobs and changing industries in many ways. For NZ students, obtaining a degree in AI means being first in line for all this change. New Zealand universities are equipping students with ethical, industry-aligned AI skills, supported by government and industry, establishing the nation as a global AI education hub.