International Students Data by State and Territory 2023

International students from various countries choose to pursue their education in Australian institutions. Some popular destinations for these students include China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Nepal. These countries often have strong partnerships with Australian educational institutions, enabling students to access quality education while remaining in their home countries. The presence of Australian education providers in these locations provides students with the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized qualification without having to travel abroad.

Governments and educational institutions have a vested interest in attracting and retaining international students. They recognize the positive impact of international students on the economy through tuition fees, increased spending, and job creation. Therefore, countries and institutions often develop strategies and initiatives to attract and support international students, including streamlined visa processes, scholarships, and dedicated support services.

Source: Data 2023

Here are some important considerations for interpreting the data:

1. Student visa sub-classes and education sectors: The data indicates that the student visa sub-classes may not align perfectly with the education sectors. For example, a student holding a higher education visa may initially study an English language or non-award course before starting their higher education program. This means that the visa subclass may not necessarily reflect the specific education sector in which the student is enrolled.
2. Primary visa holders: The data only includes information about primary (student) visa holders. It does not encompass all overseas students, as some individuals may be studying on different types of visas that permit them to pursue education. For instance, English language students may not hold student visas, but they can still study in the country by choosing vocational courses like Aged care.
3. Limited representation of scheduled commencement dates: The data does not provide information on the scheduled commencement dates for students. Therefore, it is important to note that not all students listed as “Outside Australia” have necessarily been delayed due to prevailing travel restrictions. Some students may have planned to start their courses at a later date.
4. Visa expiration and travel changes: Throughout the period covered by the weekly updates, new visas were granted, and existing visas expired both inside and outside Australia. Additionally, some current student visa holders within Australia may have departed the country or changed their visa status. These factors can impact the overall student visa count and should be taken into account when analyzing the data.
5. Expiration of mid-year 2022 visas: It is customary each year for a significant number of student visas for courses ending mid-year (in this case, 2022) to expire in late August. This expiration resulted in a decrease of over 15,000 student visas between the weeks of 29 August 2022 and 12 September 2022. This information is relevant to understanding the total student visa count for 2022.
6. These considerations help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the data and its limitations, allowing for a more accurate interpretation of the student visa statistics.

Based on the provided data, the table shows the distribution of enrolled international students in Australia and outside Australia, categorized by cities.

• In Australia, New South Wales has the highest number of visa holders with 193,300 students, accounting for 87% of the total. Victoria follows closely with 142,192 students, representing 88% of the total. Queensland has 95,420 visa holders, making up 87% of the total student population in the state. South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory also have significant numbers of enrolled international students.
• Outside Australia, there are varying numbers of visa holders across different cities. The highest number of students outside Australia is in New South Wales with 28,347 visa holders, accounting for 13% of the total. Victoria follows with 19,912 students (12%), and Queensland has 14,129 students (13%). The remaining cities, including South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, also have enrolled international students, albeit in smaller numbers.
• Overall, the data highlights the popularity of certain cities in Australia for international students. New South Wales and Victoria, in particular, attract a large number of both in-country and out-of-country students. These cities offer diverse educational opportunities, renowned universities, and a vibrant cultural environment.
• It’s important to note that the data provided represents only the primary visa holders and may not capture the entire population of international students, as some students may hold different types of visas or may not be included in the data for various reasons.
• Understanding the distribution of enrolled international students in Australia and outside Australia helps policymakers, educational institutions, and communities make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, support services, and strategies to enhance the experience of international students. It also highlights the significance of international education as a driver of cultural exchange, economic growth, and educational collaboration between countries.