Despite negative expectations, the value of education as an export for Australia grew 6% in 2025.
Education and Tourism as Exports for Australia 2000 to 2025 ($ billions)
The value of Education as an export for Australia grew 6% to $54.998 billion in 2025, from $51.895 billion in 2024, from an Australian Bureau of Statistics release on 30 April 2026.
The value of education as an export increased in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory, but not in South Australia, Tasmania or Australian Capital Territory.
Nevertheless, the doomsayers did have their say, with Education as an export slipping down a spot to be the fifth highest export for Australia, behind Iron Ore, Coal, Gas and Gold. The value of Gold as an export grew from $32.892 billion in 2024 to $59.547 billion in 2025, and Education as an export for Australia is no longer more valuable than Gold.
Australia’s Top Exports 2025 ($ billions)
Detailed analysis by state and territory, and detailed analysis of how education ranks among Australia’s top exports, will be available shortly.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics April 2026 release International Trade: Supplementary Information, Calendar Year, 2025 is at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/international-trade
Strategy and Policy are guided by Research in Education – www.spre.com.au
