Estimates from data compiled by Australian international education marketing consultants suggest the country’s sector will reach pre-pandemic enrolment levels within the next 18 months.
Studying abroad in a country like Australia is a dream for many international students. With world-class universities, diverse learning experiences, quality lifestyle, safety, and whatnot, Australia stands as one of the top destination choices for international students. However, as the pandemic hit, the country’s international education industry dipped drastically.
Now the country is once again promoting the message that Australia is open to all international students to recover its $40 billion international education sector.
New way forward strategy for international education
In August 2021, it can be recalled that governments and educational institutions in Australia are devising strategies to regain more than two-thirds of the worrying drop in international student demand for universities compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The Morrison Government’s 10-year strategy for international education will position Australia for a strong COVID-19 recovery. It will also create new opportunities for a more sustainable and diverse sector.
A look into the recovery of Australian education
A huge drop in the number of primary student visa holders took place back in the latter half of 2021. From 307,954 to 254,915, data shows that this number has already bounced back significantly. With over 280,000 holders in Australia and with an expected increase to 286,723 by the end of this month.
Last year, the number declined by 17% compared to 2020, a more significant drop than the 7% drop in 2020. However, compared to the same time period in 2020, the number of visas granted to overseas students grew by 34%. This is indeed good news for the coming year.
In 2021, there were 570,626 student enrollments in Australian educators, with roughly half of them pursuing higher education. China, India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Malaysia are the top five supply countries.
Student visa volumes are showing indications of recovery now that borders have reopened, though not quite to pre-pandemic levels. According to data by Australia’s education marketing consultants, the country will achieve pre-pandemic enrolment levels in the next 18 months.
