Which university has the most international students in Australia?
Total International Student Enrollment
Between 2018 and 2022, Australia experienced fluctuations in its international student enrollment numbers. The total enrollment began at 1,082,410 in 2018, saw a modest increase to 1,086,050 in 2019, followed by a significant jump to 1,133,519 in 2020. The peak enrollment occurred in 2021 with 1,161,912 students, before a downturn to 1,102,683 in 2022. These fluctuations reflect the dynamic nature of international education in Australia, influenced by various factors such as global events, policy shifts, and the country's educational appeal.
State with the Most International Students
New South Wales emerged as the leading state for international student enrollment, hosting 343,653 students in 2022. Its popularity is likely attributed to a combination of high-quality educational institutions, a vibrant cultural life, and robust support services for international students. Victoria followed closely with 268,198 students, while Queensland and Western Australia had 194,374 and 106,683 students, respectively. These states' diverse offerings, from world-class universities to stunning natural landscapes, make them attractive destinations for international students.
University with the Most International Students
Monash University had the highest international student enrollment in 2022, with 47,002 students. Comming in second was The University of Melbourne with 43,265 students, followed by The University of New South Wales with 42,750 students. These universities' strong international appeal is a testament to their academic excellence, diverse programs, and commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for international students.
State-by-State Breakdown
- Australian Capital Territory: Experienced a marginal decrease from 30,096 students in 2018 to 29,997 in 2022, with The Australian National University and the University of Canberra being significant contributors.
- Multi-State: Saw a slight decline in enrollments from 32,759 in 2018 to 31,264 in 2022, with the Australian Catholic University as a notable institution.
- New South Wales: Although it reached a high in 2021, enrollments decreased to 343,653 in 2022, with significant contributions from the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales.
- Northern Territory: Showed an increase until 2021 but fell to 10,966 in 2022, predominantly at Charles Darwin University.
- Queensland: Peaked in 2021, with enrollments reducing to 194,374 in 2022. Key institutions include the Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University.
- South Australia: Exhibited a steady increase in enrollments, peaking at 89,424 in 2022, with the University of South Australia playing a key role.
- Tasmania: After a significant rise in 2020, enrollments fell to 28,124 in 2022, primarily at the University of Tasmania.
- Victoria: Reached its highest in 2021 before a decrease to 268,198 in 2022, with Monash University and The University of Melbourne being the largest contributors.
- Western Australia: Experienced a peak in 2021, but enrollments fell to 106,683 in 2022. Curtin University and The University of Western Australia are prominent universities.
| State | Institution | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 30,096 | 30,000 | 29,680 | 30,976 | 29,997 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers | 1,113 | 1,356 | 1,536 | 1,796 | 1,484 | |
| The Australian National University | 15,820 | 15,805 | 15,468 | 16,402 | 15,604 | |
| University of Canberra | 13,163 | 12,839 | 12,676 | 12,778 | 12,909 | |
| Multi-State | 32,759 | 31,470 | 31,279 | 32,027 | 31,264 | |
| Australian Catholic University | 29,557 | 28,472 | 28,230 | 29,210 | 28,604 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers | 3,202 | 2,998 | 3,049 | 2,817 | 2,660 | |
| New South Wales | 336,636 | 338,059 | 353,030 | 358,448 | 343,653 | |
| Charles Sturt University | 32,537 | 32,967 | 35,810 | 35,073 | 32,928 | |
| Macquarie University | 32,796 | 33,001 | 33,836 | 35,835 | 35,466 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers (excluding Avondale) | 34,180 | 34,587 | 38,012 | 38,274 | 35,773 | |
| Southern Cross University | 13,714 | 14,314 | 15,784 | 15,410 | 13,916 | |
| The University of New England | 21,950 | 23,158 | 23,378 | 22,518 | 20,324 | |
| The University of Newcastle | 29,021 | 29,581 | 31,542 | 32,084 | 30,202 | |
| The University of Sydney | 40,777 | 39,758 | 40,543 | 42,250 | 40,380 | |
| University of New South Wales | 39,312 | 39,026 | 40,131 | 42,649 | 42,750 | |
| University of Technology Sydney | 30,745 | 30,547 | 32,247 | 31,668 | 33,296 | |
| University of Wollongong | 19,249 | 18,916 | 19,486 | 20,015 | 19,081 | |
| Western Sydney University | 41,228 | 41,086 | 41,198 | 41,526 | 38,525 | |
| Avondale University College | 1,127 | 1,118 | 1,063 | 1,146 | 1,012 | |
| Northern Territory | 9,457 | 10,272 | 11,722 | 12,640 | 10,966 | |
| Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education | 18 | 12 | 26 | 15 | 18 | |
| Charles Darwin University | 9,439 | 10,260 | 11,696 | 12,625 | 10,948 | |
| Queensland | 195,557 | 197,174 | 202,924 | 208,285 | 194,374 | |
| Bond University | 2,986 | 2,952 | 3,145 | 3,453 | 3,596 | |
| CQUniversity | 17,589 | 18,305 | 19,814 | 19,816 | 17,866 | |
| Griffith University | 39,436 | 40,548 | 41,417 | 42,102 | 38,631 | |
| James Cook University | 14,680 | 14,222 | 13,836 | 14,455 | 13,269 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers | 7,090 | 6,795 | 7,121 | 7,808 | 7,229 | |
| Queensland University of Technology | 41,803 | 42,676 | 44,281 | 46,109 | 43,111 | |
| The University of Queensland | 35,648 | 35,008 | 34,558 | 35,163 | 34,312 | |
| University of Southern Queensland | 22,742 | 22,689 | 23,092 | 22,761 | 20,649 | |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | 13,583 | 13,979 | 15,660 | 16,618 | 15,711 | |
| South Australia | 79,466 | 81,149 | 87,699 | 90,842 | 89,424 | |
| Carnegie Mellon University Australia | 11 | 8 | 13 | |||
| Flinders University | 20,505 | 20,357 | 20,919 | 21,022 | 20,258 | |
| Private Universities and Non-University Higher Education Providers | 5,357 | 4,928 | 4,834 | 4,807 | 4,584 | |
| The University of Adelaide | 19,072 | 19,305 | 20,224 | 21,653 | 21,604 | |
| Torrens University Australia | 7,310 | 8,187 | 10,720 | 11,053 | 12,544 | |
| University of South Australia | 27,222 | 28,372 | 30,991 | 32,299 | 30,421 | |
| Tasmania | 28,868 | 28,423 | 34,032 | 30,258 | 28,124 | |
| University of Tasmania | 28,868 | 28,423 | 34,032 | 30,258 | 28,124 | |
| Victoria | 263,377 | 263,184 | 273,115 | 286,263 | 268,198 | |
| Deakin University | 45,075 | 45,848 | 49,608 | 51,844 | 46,458 | |
| Federation University Australia | 8,656 | 8,441 | 8,193 | 8,349 | 7,774 | |
| La Trobe University | 29,425 | 28,229 | 28,383 | 28,561 | 27,236 | |
| Monash University | 45,183 | 45,310 | 45,523 | 48,926 | 47,002 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers | 6,235 | 6,291 | 6,887 | 9,015 | 7,077 | |
| RMIT University | 37,734 | 38,738 | 41,308 | 42,841 | 39,987 | |
| Swinburne University of Technology | 31,942 | 31,076 | 31,987 | 32,336 | 29,783 | |
| The University of Melbourne | 41,516 | 41,961 | 42,654 | 44,598 | 43,265 | |
| University of Divinity | 1,453 | 1,319 | 1,300 | 1,279 | 1,270 | |
| Victoria University | 16,158 | 15,971 | 17,272 | 18,514 | 18,346 | |
| Western Australia | 106,194 | 106,319 | 110,038 | 112,173 | 106,683 | |
| Curtin University | 35,468 | 35,758 | 37,131 | 38,503 | 37,615 | |
| Edith Cowan University | 23,863 | 23,774 | 24,203 | 24,333 | 22,350 | |
| Murdoch University | 15,021 | 15,398 | 16,095 | 14,695 | 12,920 | |
| Non-University Higher Education Providers | 1,298 | 1,139 | 1,183 | 1,259 | 1,389 | |
| The University of Notre Dame Australia | 11,469 | 11,476 | 12,387 | 12,152 | 11,462 | |
| The University of Western Australia | 19,075 | 18,774 | 19,039 | 21,231 | 20,947 | |
| Grand Total | 1,082,410 | 1,086,050 | 1,133,519 | 1,161,912 | 1,102,683 |
References
Australian Government Department of Education, n.d., Education, viewed (9 February 2024), https://www.education.gov.au/.