fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
19th Oct 2022

Survey says Australia a top choice among prospective international students

Short on time? Here are the highlights:
  • A global IDP research survey has found that Australia is now the second-most preferred destination for international students after Canada
  • Canada (27%) and Australia (25%) were the first and second choice for surveyed students, respectively
  • The survey also explored the perspectives of current versus prospective students about studying in Australia

New IDP research shows that Australia’s popularity as a study destination is steadily improving. Australia still trails Canada in this regard, but it is closing the gap.

The Emerging Futures research was conducted with 11,000 prospective students, applicants, and current students in August 2022.

Canada remains the top choice for 27% of surveyed students, unchanged from March 2022, while Australia is the preferred destination for 25% of students – up from 20% in March.

The UK holds the #3 position at 20% – the same as in March – while the US is in fourth at 18%, down from 20% in the spring.

What is behind Australia’s rise?

Australia returned to the consideration set of prospective international students when it re-opened its borders in late-2021, and many students have been attracted to the January 2022 announcement that caps would be lifted on number of hours students could work while studying (a policy that will remain in place till 30 June 2023).

Working while studying has become a priority for a significant proportion of international students in 2022. Global economic contraction and/or currency devaluations are affecting the finances of students and their families. The IDP research found notable concern among prospective students about whether they will have enough money while studying in Australia.

Of the leading English-speaking destinations, only Australia and, more recently, Canada have implemented policies allowing unlimited hours for international students to work while studying in 2022.

Also guiding the decisions of international students are concerns about safety, and in this regard, Australia now has a competitive advantage. Almost two-thirds (62%) of surveyed students said that Australia’s being “a safe country for international students” is a reason that Australia is their preferred destination. This is up from 50% of students who gave this reason in March 2022.

Where is Australia especially popular?

Among students from the two top senders of students to destinations abroad – China and India – Australia is less popular than other leading destinations, according to the IDP research. However, among students from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Australia is very popular. These are increasingly important sending markets for all destinations, so Australia’s attractiveness in these countries is good news for the country’s educators – especially as they react to slowing Chinese outbound.

Comparing current versus prospective students

IDP segmented students according to whether they were currently enrolled or prospective, and not surprisingly, each segment was focused on different things when evaluating Australia as a study destination.

For prospective students, concerns are primarily around “balancing part-time work and study, not having enough money and adapting to a new culture and way of learning.”

Among current students, perceptions of Australia are mostly positive: 92% say that “the academic support they had received from their institution had met or exceeded their expectations,” and 87% were similarly impressed with the lifestyle for international students in Australia. However, a significant proportion of current students said that “their expectations for financial support had not been met.”

Work/study balance

Government decisions about how much international students can work while studying are tricky ones to make. On the one hand, it is important to allow students to make enough money to live comfortably; there were all too many stories (during the pandemic especially) of students having to go to food banks in Australia and Canada due to lack of money for groceries.

On the other hand, full course loads at university equate to a great deal of time both in class and after school in order to keep up and excel. Too many hours of paid work on top of academics can be exhausting and overwhelming and even jeopardise students' marks. The IDP research “identified a correlation between poor mental health and students working either fewer than 10 hours per fortnight or more than 40 hours per fortnight, as well as those living alone or off campus.”

Matching students’ hopes with real life in Australia

Speaking to the research, IDP client director Andrew Wharton said:

“As we welcome students back, the opportunity for the Australian sector is to listen to what students want, which is clear career pathways and job opportunities during their studies, and to make sure their expectations are met when they arrive.”

Simon Emmett, CEO of IDP Connect, added that a key finding in the research is that current students often struggle with mental health and study/work balance. He said: “Notably, the findings highlight the pressures students face when juggling studies and part-time work, as well as feelings of isolation.”

More generally, Mr. Emmett commented on the competitive landscape in international education today, and to the effects of a turbulent global economy – effects that are often more acutely felt in the very emerging markets that are now at the top of the list for recruiters. He said,

“With open borders and attractive post-study work policies, destinations are going head-to-head to attract international students. However, at the same time, many countries are facing socioeconomic instability, and students are navigating new emerging challenges.”

Last month, Australia announced a major extension of post-study work rights for graduates of certain degrees linked to skills shortages in the Australian economy. The announcement will likely make Australia even more attractive to international students choosing to study in certain fields.

For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • Language travel sector leaders call for a focus on value amid persistent discount pressure Read More
  • Canada: List of non-degree college programmes linked to post-study work rights has changed Read More
  • US administration revives proposal to limit terms of student visas Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

Canada: List of non-degree college programmes linked to post-study work rights has changed The Canadian government is continuing its policy of linking eligibility for a post-study work permit (PGWP) – at...
Read more
US administration revives proposal to limit terms of student visas The Trump administration has given notice of a proposed rule change that seeks to limit the term for...
Read more
How have changes in policy settings impacted international student recruitment at Australian universities? Over the past couple of years, Australian universities have been operating within a policy framework that makes it...
Read more
New analysis sounds a note of caution for UK immigration reforms Within the UK’s higher education system, there are a group of institutions known as “Post-1992 universities”. The term...
Read more
The number of students in higher education abroad has more than tripled since the turn of the century The latest figures from UNESCO indicate continued strong growth in higher education enrolments globally. From the year 2000,...
Read more
US warns of expanded travel ban that could affect key African markets “The United States is considering restricting entry to citizens of an additional 36 countries in what would be...
Read more
Breaking: US resumes student visa processing On 18 June, the US State Department sent a cable to all US diplomatic posts abroad instructing them...
Read more
Is Canada valued more as a “pathway to immigration” or as a destination for education? During a 12 June 2025 webinar presented by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) and IDP, IDP...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links