As I finish up a positive year of growth with the International Diagnostic & Admissions Test, it seemed worth a look at the international education system in Australia for schools, to see what the year has brought. IDAT has certainly seen a growth in schools and state governments using the IDAT, and it was worth a look to see what the rest of the sector had been experiencing.
The conclusion: It seemed that most schools are ending the year on a good note.
After several years of uncertainty, Australia’s international schools sector is closing out the year on a largely positive note. Enrolment numbers have remained steady across the country, most schools are optimistic about the future, and confidence in the federal government’s policy direction is slowly building — even as challenges around commencements and market volatility continue.
Stable Enrolments and Strong State-Based Growth
According to federal data[i], overall enrolments in the school sector held strong, rising from 19,024 in 2024 to 19,768 in 2025 year-to-date. Commencements, however, softened from 10,341 to 9,103, reflecting what many believe to be a natural correction after unusually high post-COVID intake levels.
China remains the dominant source market, with both enrolments and commencements increasing in 2025. Vietnam saw declines in both categories, while India — widely expected to emerge as a major future market — also contracted. Japan experienced a downturn, South Korea remained steady, and Hong Kong maintained strong interest. Germany continues to stand out as a remarkable growth story: from just 21 school-sector students in 2021 to 1,078 today.
States are not growing evenly. Victoria continues to host the largest number of international school students (6,271), but Queensland remains the headline performer. Queensland’s commencement numbers far exceed other states — 3,268 compared with New South Wales (1,930), Victoria (1,782) and South Australia (1,287). NSW has taken a back seat to Queensland in terms of state enrolments.
In a conversation with Rebecca Hall, who until September 2025 was the Assistant Director- General Policy, External Relations & International for the Queensland Department of Education
Queensland continues to grow and much of their success can be attributed to a state and regional approach which, according to Rebecca Hall is due the “built in sustainable systems and capabilities.” There is investment at state, regional and school levels. QEI (Queensland Education International) supports schools well. This is combined with many local government initiatives like Study Gold Coast, Study Townsville, Study Cairns, and Study Toowoomba. With many of these regional areas having a short list of higher education opportunities, they also work together with the public and private schools for international recruitment.
According to Hall, Queensland schools homestay is also usually a part of the school community. The homestay families often have their own children in the schools and are very connected to the greater school community. This create “ultimate soft-power engagement in a fully embraced schools community.
Rebecca Hall is now working for Online Education Services (OES) as the Head of Government Relationships. She will be playing a pivotal role in leading government relationships for higher education providers to meet the objectives of the Australian Universities Accord. Her voice and knowledge will be in missed in the school sector for the pivotal role she played.
Schools Report a Strong and Encouraging Year
A national end-of-year sentiment survey of CRICOS-registered schools shows that half of all respondents reported a positive year, with another 44% indicating stability. China is by far the largest source market, with over 80% listing it as their primary country of enrolment.
When it comes to recruitment practices, the data shows a clear pattern: over 80% of schools rely principally on agent relationships, making agents the dominant channel for new student enrolments. Word-of-mouth plays a secondary role, while very few schools identify recruitment fairs or overseas events as a major source of students. This reflects ongoing cost pressures, tighter travel budgets, and the growing importance of sustained relationship-based recruitment over occasional in-country fairs.
Short-term study tours remain an area of divided opinion: around 39% believe they add value, while 28% say they do not.
Impact of Federal Legislation and Future Confidence
Schools appear cautiously optimistic about the federal government’s support for international education. Around 44% agree the government is supportive, though many remain neutral.
The Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) 2025 Bill drew even stronger responses. Nearly 67% believe the reforms will positively impact the school sector by increasing integrity, strengthening student protection, and helping stabilise recruitment practices.
Industry expert commentary also reflects optimism. Many note that improved oversight around agent practices will be welcome, provided reporting systems remain intuitive and seamless.
According to prominent admissions consultant, Trish Cartwright, “The most significant item in the changes for the school sector are the increased integrity around agents and commissions. Whilst increasing some oversight and ensuring that there is transparency will be valuable, the reporting needs to be intuitive and straightforward. Here’s hoping the ‘add on’ to PRISMS is not just that but rather a well thought through seamless process to benefit everyone – especially students.”
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Schools reported several “wins” this year, including stronger community engagement, improved student support systems, and steady demand in key markets. Jane Tepper, industry expert notes a growing excitement around new learning models, the expansion of sports and specialist programs, and the role of emerging technologies such as AI.
Despite ongoing uncertainties — especially around commencements, geopolitical shifts, and affordability issues — 2025 marks a year of overall recovery and optimism for Australian schools welcoming international students. Strong enrolments, supportive state systems, and thoughtful policy reform have helped set a positive foundation for the coming year.
With 2026 approaching, most schools are refining recruitment strategies, strengthening student experience, and preparing for new opportunities in an increasingly competitive global education landscape.
[i] https://www.education.gov.au/international-education-data-and-research/international-student-monthly-summary-and-data-tables
