Eye-Opening Statistics About International Students In Australia

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Australia is a top choice for students around the world who are looking for high-quality education. 

Every year, prospective students leave their home countries and embark on a journey to pursue higher education in Australia. 

These international students contribute not only to the vibrant cultural diversity of the nation but also to its economy and academic growth.

Imagine this: each year, students from all over the world say their farewells to their families and home countries and begin their journey to the beach shores and dry lands of Australia. They come from almost every part of the globe you can imagine – China, India, Malaysia, the United States, you name it. 

It is like a lively global fusion right at the core of the Southern Hemisphere!

In this article, we are looking at some key statistics about international students in Australia and their significance.

How Much Money International Students Contribute To The Australian Economy

International students contribute significantly to Australia’s economy through their financial contributions, while the demand for quality education in Australia keeps increasing. 

When students begin their education, they not only contribute to their own growth but also to the Australian economy by investing large amount of money as a part of their tuition fees and living expenses.

Back in 2019, international education contributed a massive $35 billion to Australia’s economy, and it dipped down during the dark hours of the pandemic.

But in 2023 until June, it is already worth about $21.8 billion. 

International students in Australia have a wide-ranging financial impact on the economy. They contribute not just through tuition fees, but also in other sectors like accommodation, retail, transportation, and more. 

Number of International Students Studying In Australia

Australia is becoming increasingly popular among international students looking for higher education. 

There is a steady rise in the number of international students studying at universities and educational institutions in Australia. 

The number of international students studying in Australia has increased significantly.

There are currently over 710893 international students studying in Australia which is about 34% higher than in 2022.

The major factor contributing to Australia’s popularity among aspiring international students is the country’s prominent education system. Australian universities consistently rank high in global university rankings, offering a wide range of programs and disciplines across various fields. 

These institutions provide a high standard of education, ensuring students receive quality learning experiences and acquire globally recognised qualifications.

You can read more about why international students choose to study in Australia here.

Leading Source Countries of International Students In Australia

Australia attracts thousands of international students from several countries of the world. 

Among them are top leading source countries that contribute significantly to the pool of international students studying in Australia. 

According to the Australian Government Department of Education, the top countries where international students come from into Australia are:

  1. China (152,395)
  2. India (118,869)
  3. Nepal (59,147)
  4. Columbia (33,494)
  5. Philippines (29,916)

Australia’s strong partnerships with leading source countries will continue to shape the future of international education. This will create opportunities for many students to have transformative academic experiences.

Popular State or Territory in Australia among International Students

When it comes to studying in Australia as an international student, the choice of state or territory holds considerable importance. 

Each region offers distinct educational opportunities and experiences, making it crucial to understand the landscape of international education in Australia. 

Factors such as university ranking, culture diversity, course availability, support services, cost of living and employment opportunities amongst others are the popular considerations before choosing a state or territory to study in Australia.

Listed below are the data on the number of students that study in each state or territory in Australia:

  1. New South Wales (271,509)
  2. Victoria (212,087)
  3. Queensland (108,764)
  4. Western Australia (53,186)
  5. South Australia (42,562)
  6. Australian Capital Territory (18,419)
  7. Tasmania (8,499)
  8. Northern Territory (4,555)

Types of Courses International Students Study in Australia (Level of Education)

When it comes to international students studying in Australia, the types of courses and the level of education they pursue are quite important. 

Australia provides a range of courses at various levels to cater to the individual academic or vocational goals of students.

Here are the types of courses available for international students and their population percentage:

  1. Higher Education (Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctoral degree) – 49% 
  2. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III and Certificate IV) – 32% 
  3. English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) – 13%
  4. Non-award – 3%
  5. Schools – 3%

International students have many options to start their learning path, from vocational and technical courses to higher education degrees.

International Graduate Outcomes 

The international graduate outcomes are survey data that measure and show international graduate outcomes after their study period in Australia. 

International graduate outcomes refers to the career and employment prcomparedf international students who have completed their studies. Upon graduation, students usually benefit from various post-study work opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience in their fields. 

Many international graduates successfully get employment in Australia or return to their home countries with enhanced skills and qualifications. 

The International Graduate Outcome survey is usually carried out by the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) body which evaluates the career aftermath of international students’ study such as salary, employability and more. 

This survey is usually conducted annually between August and September. This survey was for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students in Australian universities. 

Overall, the graduate employment rates increased in 2022 and up at 57.7% compared to 43% in 2021 for undergraduate students.

For post graduate students, the employment rate went up also to 57.9% compared to 43.9% in 2021.

Undergraduate students from Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia have the highest full-time employment rates.

Postgraduate students from the Phillipines, Indonesia and Malaysia have the highest full-time employment rates. 

Interested to know more? Click here to check out the most recent international graduate outcomes data.

Average International Graduate Salary 

Many international graduates from Australian universities and institutions often experience positive outcomes in the job market, regardless of their fields of study. 

Australia’s strong economy and thriving industries offer competitive salaries to international graduates, giving them a rewarding start to their professional journey.

Currently, international graduates earn an average of $60,000 per year compared that to $54,300 from previous year. 

The average Australian graduate earns $68,000 per year.

Conclusion

The data on international students in Australia shows that it is a great place to get a global education. The increasing number of students coming to Australia reflects its popularity as a top study destination. 

If you are thinking of commencing your academic or vocational journey in Australia, then this might be your calling.

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