Vietnamese Students: 4th Largest Group in Australia

International Students in Australia: A Growing Opportunity

According to the latest data from Australia’s Department of Education, there are currently 816,587 enrolled international students, showing a 1% increase from last year and an impressive 18% rise compared to 2019, before the pandemic changed everything.

Who’s Enrolling?

It’s interesting to note that more than half of these students come from just five countries: China (23%), India (17.1%), Nepal (7.9%), Vietnam (4.6%), and the Philippines (4.5%).

What’s Being Studied?

The numbers cover various educational sectors, including high schools, universities, colleges, vocational training programs, and short-term English courses lasting 6 to 9 months. Notably, higher education accounted for 52.2% of enrolments, followed by vocational education and training at 33.7%.

During the first few months of this year, higher education saw an impressive 11% growth in enrolments. However, English-language courses saw a significant decline, dropping by 37%.

Popular Fields of Study

In the realm of higher education, students are keen on fields like Management and Commerce, closely followed by Information Technology.

For vocational training, Management and Commerce again leads, alongside areas like Food, Hospitality, and Personal Services.

Changes in International Student Policies

Over the past two years, Australia has tightened its international student policies. These changes include:

• A reduction in the post-graduation work period from 4–6 years to 2–4 years.
• An increase in the English language requirement, now needing an IELTS score of 6.5 instead of 6.0.
• A rise in financial proof thresholds and visa application fees.

What’s Next for International Students?

Recently, the Australian government announced a 9% increase in the foreign student cap for next year, bringing the total to 295,000. The focus will be on applicants from Southeast Asia, making it a great opportunity for many students from that region.

Why This Matters

International Education Assistant Minister Julian Hill remarked that these measures, although at times unpopular within the sector, are necessary for ensuring sustainable growth. He noted, “The numbers were growing out of control. The government has taken tough decisions over the last 12 months to get the numbers down.” This is an important step for both the students and the broader Australian community.

Australia is known for having one of the highest shares of international students globally. The education sector contributes significantly to the economy, generating over A$51 billion (about US$34 billion) in 2024 and becoming the country’s largest services export.

Looking Ahead

If you are considering studying in Australia, now may be a wonderful time to explore your options. Whether you’re interested in higher education or vocational training, the opportunities are thriving. It’s essential to be aware of the current policies and requirements, especially concerning visas and post-graduation work rights.

What do you think?

Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Australia or New Zealand? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.