Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, has welcomed latest figures that reveal more international students than ever before enrolled in Australian higher education institutions in 2015.
Mr Pyne said Australia’s booming international education sector looks set for even more growth this year according to these very positive enrolment figures.
“This latest data shows that across all education sectors combined, international student enrolments (all students) increased by more than 11 per cent and commencements (new students) increased by 9 per cent when compared to the same period last year,” Mr Pyne said.
“That represents nearly 434,000 enrolments by full-fee paying international students with over 168,000 of those representing students starting new courses in Australia”
International education is Australia’s largest services export and drives at least 130,000 full-time equivalent jobs around Australia.
“Australia hosted the largest number of international higher education students we have ever seen last year, and these latest year-to-date figures for 2015 suggest this year will be even better,” Mr Pyne said.
“More than three million international students have studied in Australia since the 1950s. They contribute to our economic, social and educational development, bringing new ideas and enriching the cultural life of Australia.”
“This latest data clearly shows that the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s international education is working.
“The new data further highlights the importance of study pathways – a priority for the government.”
“Based on 2013 data, 65 per cent of international students studying English Language Intensive Courses and 54 per cent of those studying in Australian schools went on to further study in Australia.”
“It also highlights the importance of the Draft National Strategy for International Education, which was released in April, and which will be discussed at the roundtable on international education on Thursday,” Mr Pyne said.
The Ministers for foreign affairs, trade, industry and science, immigration, and vocational education and training will join Minister Pyne and around 100 other participants at the roundtable at Parliament House, Canberra, on Thursday 18 June.
