There were more than 164,000 Chinese student enrolments in Australia in 2021, with approximately 130,000 enrolled in the higher education sector alone. This high figure is largely in part to many institutions readily accepting international students, as well as the use of English as the main language in most educational courses. The limited amount of university spots in China due to its large population also forces Chinese students to look overseas for education opportunities.
Demographic of international students in Australia
While the cost of education is regulated for local students, universities in Australia can set their own prices for internationals. This creates a market where institutions are permitted to set prices to match the high demand for education. In 2019, the export income from international education activity in Australia was over 37 billion Australian dollars. Despite this high cost of entry, there is still plenty of demand with some universities such as the University of New South Wales having more than 40 percent of students coming from overseas.
Number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by education sector
(in 1,000s)
Data reflects student enrolments in Australia. Country of origin is based on citizenship, not permanent home residence.
** Vocational Education and Training
*** English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
Figures have been rounded.
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Australian Department of Education and Training. (July 30, 2021). Number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by education sector (in 1,000s) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/430276/number-of-chinese-students-in-australia-by-education-sector/
Australian Department of Education and Training. "Number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by education sector (in 1,000s)." Chart. July 30, 2021. Statista. Accessed May 17, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/430276/number-of-chinese-students-in-australia-by-education-sector/
Australian Department of Education and Training. (2021). Number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by education sector (in 1,000s). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 17, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/430276/number-of-chinese-students-in-australia-by-education-sector/
Australian Department of Education and Training. "Number of Chinese Student Enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by Education Sector (in 1,000s)." Statista, Statista Inc., 30 Jul 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/430276/number-of-chinese-students-in-australia-by-education-sector/
Australian Department of Education and Training, Number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia from 2012 to 2021, by education sector (in 1,000s) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/430276/number-of-chinese-students-in-australia-by-education-sector/ (last visited May 17, 2022)