Media: frequently asked questions
Why is it important to the Australian Government and education providers to attract international students?
- International education is a key priority for the Australian Government, both in terms of national interest and global influence.
- As an industry, international education is now Australia’s biggest services export, with almost 460 000 enrolments in Australia (from around 372 000 students) across the four sectors of Australian international education (higher education, vocational education and training, English language and secondary schools). Note: Enrolments are higher than student numbers because a student may enrol in more than one course in a year.
- International education contributes to Australian diplomatic efforts, with bilateral and multilateral agreements improving regional stability and long‑term security. Over a million international alumni have studied in Australia and returned home, helping to raise the profile of Australia’s abilities, attributes and advantages.
- As an opportunity for continuous improvement, international education provides a global benchmark, ensuring that Australia keeps pace with other countries, learning from international developments, building intellectual and research capital, and creating long-lasting links between individuals and institutions.
What kinds of students is Australia attracting? In what fields? From what countries or regions?
- Total enrolments in Australian courses delivered onshore and offshore number around 580 000. Around 460 000 of these enrolments are onshore (in Australia) and around 120 000 offshore (where the Australian institution has a campus in the student’s home country).
- Australian’s international education enrolment numbers have increased by 78 per cent over the five years to 2007. Australia is now the world’s third most popular English-speaking destination for international students, and the fifth most popular overall.
- The three most popular degree fields for higher education students were management and commerce (48 per cent), information technology (10 per cent); and society and culture (8 per cent).
- The top three fields of study for vocational education and training students were management and commerce (58 per cent), food, hospitality and services (14 per cent), and society and culture (9 per cent).
- Students from China constituted the largest group, making up 22 per cent of all international students. This was followed by India (14 per cent) and the Republic of Korea (7 per cent). The top 10 nationalities accounted for approximately 69 per cent of all international students in Australia: China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, USA, Brazil.
Do international students affect the quality of education that universities offer? Are entrance standards being lowered and/or educational programs changed to attract more international students?
- No. The number of international students does not affect or influence the quality of education offered by universities or any other provider of international education in Australia. The Australian Government is unaware of any entrance standards being lowered in order to attract and facilitate entry for international students.
- The Australian Quality Framework (AQF) links school, vocational and university qualifications into one system to ensure consistent accreditation of education qualifications, regardless of the sector, state or individual education provider. The AQF applies equally to both domestic and international students.
- In addition, the Australian Government regulates the education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia on student visas through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. This protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services as well as the interests of overseas students, by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance.
- ESOS legislation mandates a nationally consistent approach to registering education providers so that the quality of the tuition, and care of students, remains high. The professionalism and integrity of the industry is further strengthened by the ESOS legislation’s interface with immigration law. This imposes visa related reporting requirements on both students and providers.
- ESOS legislation governs:
Why do international students choose to study in Australia?
AEI’s International Student Survey found international students choose Australia because it:
- provides quality education
- is an English speaking country
- is perceived as safe and secure
- offers students the opportunity to experience a new culture/lifestyle
- has relatively low course fee costs and cost of living
- has a temperate climate.
More information: AEI Publications and Research
Another survey showed that 87 per cent of 11,425 prospective international higher education students from 143 countries rated Australia as an attractive place to study.
What do international students think about their Australian education?
A survey of more than 7000 international students from all education sectors who completed a course in 2006 showed that:
- 87 per cent would recommend studying in Australia to family and friends
- 80 per cent were satisfied with the quality of their education and with living in Australia.
A 2007 follow-up survey of international students from the higher education and VET sectors showed that :
- within a year of completing their course, 41 per cent of higher education and 17 per cent of VET students were working full-time; 27 per cent and 50 per cent respectively were working part-time; and 18 per cent and 26 per cent were doing further study.
- 81 per cent of higher education and 79 per cent of VET graduates were satisfied with their study experience
- 83 per cent and 82 per cent respectively were satisfied with the quality of their education
- 83 per cent and 88 per cent respectively would recommend studying in Australia to family and friends.
More information: AEI Publications and Research
How do Australian education providers recruit international students?
Australian institutions use a wide range of strategies to attract international students, including trade fairs, alumni initiatives, education agents and conferences/seminars. Enquirers would need to contact providers direct for more information.
AEI supports education providers in their marketing activities in a number of ways, including through the Study in Australia brand and website, offshore support and promotional services.
More information: About AEI
Last Modified: Thursday, 20 November 2008