The horizon for international students in the schools sector is bright.
In 2023, the schools sector has seen marked growth in enrolments and commencements as compared to 2022. According to the data from the Australian Government Department of Education, (2023 year-to-date), the schools sector has already surpassed enrolment numbers by 32% and commencements by 50%.
PRISMS data indicates all states have shown growth compared to 2022. Tasmania and Queensland have demonstrated notable growth since last year. NSW is making a steady return and current YTD calculations show that Victoria has returned to pre-pandemic levels of commencements.
“With interest and inquiries back to pre-pandemic levels but the visas taking time to process, it is expected that it will be 2024 before full growth is realised,” suggested Marion Cape, the Director of Advancement at Strathcona Girls Grammar.
Along with growth in numbers, there is also increased diversity of source countries. Gavin Godlieb, from the Victorian International Education Division says “Vietnam, Cambodia and China are markets of increasing interest” for Vic government schools.
China, Vietnam, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, and Japan are still the biggest sources for international school students, but China has shown slow recovery from the pandemic with 50% fewer enrolments and commencements compared to pre-pandemic levels. The good news is that Hong Kong (which opened borders earlier than mainland China) has recovered well and is at pre-pandemic levels for commencements and enrolments.
As Cape summarised, “Many schools have chosen to invest in different areas for recruitment and are looking for diversity with international recruitment balancing out risk. Historically many schools have had a heavy reliance on Asia for overseas recruitment. Covid proved that a pure reliance on just one market could be dangerous.”
While still a relatively small part of the market, the data shows surprising growth markets of Myanmar, Cambodia, Nauru, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea. These markets are now sending notably more students to Australian schools than ever before.
It’s also worth noting that there is an increased focus on the care and wellbeing of students after the pandemic. “The schools which are being recommended are those that provide a high standard of care to international students,” said Rae Byrom, the Director of Admissions and Marketing, Tintern Grammar.
Overall, the outlook is very positive for growth, diversity, and increased care for international students in the schools’ sector in Australia. With high rankings for liveability, and an amazing education system, the future is indeed bright.
Source: Department of Education, PRISMS
MIP subscribers can view the latest data on the Student data dashboard, and a public monthly summary is also available here.
