Australian universities are swamped with international student applications
International student applications have inundated Australian Universities. The demand has exceeded pre-covid levels at some institutions, and among these, Indian students are driving the rebound.
Currently, some Universities reported a notable increase in applications from international students, especially from India. Over 150% increase in applications from Indian students has been reported at the University of Queensland.
According to the Australian press, the increase in applications from international students is 40% higher than in 2019 at the University of Wollongong, and 27% of applications increased at the University of Queensland.
The applications from Chinese students are less stable. A decline of 27% is experienced by Macquarie University, whereas other Universities are experiencing the opposite.
Many other Universities are seeing more interest from Chinese applicants. Among these, UNSW in Sydney and the University of Queensland ar e favourites for Chinese students, with increases of 25% and 40% in application rates, respectively.
Alex Frino, the senior deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Wollongong, said they are focusing on China, India and Vietnam for their recruitment efforts shortly before borders reopened.
He added that India is their number one source country, with Pakistan being number two and Nepal being number three for international students. So the subcontinent component took off and responded quickly, at record levels.”
According to Troy Williams, CEO of ITECA, The picture combines independent providers with members worried about high student visa application rejection rates.
The rejection rate for international students is more intense in the international skills training sector. Some members over the rejection are now questioning whether their institution will be viable over the medium term.
CEO of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson, said the population statement in Australia confirms that international students play a significant role in Australia’s migration mix”.
