
Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world, with 619,371 international students as of December 2022. The country has the highest ratio of international students per capita, with 1 international student per 33.6 people in 2023. International students inject $31.9 billion into the Australian economy each year, directly boosting jobs, wages, and living standards. The university with the highest number of international students in Australia is RMIT University, with 26,590 students, followed by Monash University, with 22,140 international students. The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, two universities in NSW, get more than 50% of their total revenue from international students' tuition fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University with the highest number of international students | RMIT University |
| Number of international students at RMIT University | 26,590 |
| Second highest university for international students | Monash University |
| Number of international students at Monash University | 22,140 |
| University with the smallest number of international students | University of Notre Dame |
| Number of international students at the University of Notre Dame | 327 |
| Region with the most international students | New South Wales |
| Number of international students in New South Wales | 244,193 |
| Region with the least number of international students | Northern Territory |
| Number of international students in the Northern Territory | 3,781 |
| Total number of international students in Australia | 619,371 |
| Total number of international students enrolled in higher education institutions | 361,247 |
| Percentage of international students enrolled in undergraduate programs | 49.6% male, 50.4% female |
| Country with the highest number of international students in Australia | China |
| Number of international students from China | 156,217 |
| Country ranked 19th for the number of international students in Australia | United Kingdom |
| Number of international students from the United Kingdom | 4,613 |
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What You'll Learn
- RMIT University has the highest number of international students
- Monash University has the second-highest number
- International students contribute billions to the economy
- International students face social isolation and cultural differences
- Australian government policy discriminates against students from certain countries

RMIT University has the highest number of international students
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2019, international students made up an average of 26.7% of the student population in Australian universities. International students contribute significantly to the Australian economy, injecting around $32 billion annually and supporting about 130,000 jobs.
RMIT University, located in Melbourne, is one of Australia's leading universities, attracting a high number of international students. RMIT offers a wide range of internationally recognised undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs that provide students with practical skills and industry connections. The university is ranked among Australia's top 10 universities and is known for its emphasis on industry-connected learning, preparing students for successful careers.
International students at RMIT benefit from specialised support services, pathway options to improve their English proficiency, and a diverse range of courses. The university offers bachelor's, associate, and honours degrees, as well as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and master's programs. International students can also take advantage of Study Abroad programs, earning credits towards their degrees while immersing themselves in Australian culture.
RMIT's international student body is diverse, with students like Vidita Sharma from India, who pursued a Bachelor of Communication, specialising in journalism. Vidita reflects on her positive experience at RMIT, highlighting the opportunities she gained through internships and the support she received from the university staff.
In addition to its academic offerings, RMIT acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters across Australia, respecting the Indigenous history of the country. The university is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all its students, making it a desirable destination for international students seeking a holistic educational experience.
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Monash University has the second-highest number
Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world, which is impressive given its relatively small population of 25 million people. The country has the highest ratio of international students per capita, with 1 international student for every 33.6 people in 2023. This amounts to 786,891 students in total. International education is one of Australia's largest exports, injecting $31.9 billion into the economy and supporting 130,000 jobs.
RMIT University is the Australian university with the highest number of international students, with 26,590 students enrolled. Monash University has the second-highest number, with over 22,000 international students. This is followed by Curtin University, with approximately 15,000 international students. Monash University's large international student population reflects its appeal to foreign students.
Monash University's international student population makes up around 46% of its undergraduate student body. This high percentage of international students indicates that Monash University is a popular choice for those seeking an Australian education. The university's reputation, programme offerings, campus culture, location, and tuition fees likely contribute to its attractiveness to international students.
The large number of international students at Monash University provides a diverse and global perspective to the campus community. This diversity can enrich the educational experience for all students, fostering cultural exchange and a broader understanding of the world. Additionally, the university benefits financially from the higher fees paid by international students, which can support research, teaching, and campus infrastructure.
However, the high proportion of international students at Monash University may also present challenges. Language barriers, social isolation, and cultural differences can impact the ability of international students to engage actively in the English-based system. Additionally, there may be concerns about the university's over-reliance on foreign student fees, as fluctuations in international student numbers can affect the university's finances.
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International students contribute billions to the economy
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2019, international students represented an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities. International students inject a significant amount of money into the Australian economy, with figures ranging from $29 billion to $32 billion annually. This contribution has a direct impact on the country's economy, supporting jobs, wages, and living standards.
The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, two universities in New South Wales (NSW), are notable examples of the impact of international students on the Australian economy. In NSW, international student tuition fees contribute $2.8 billion AUD, with these two universities alone accounting for more than 50% of their total revenue from international students' fees.
International students pay significantly higher fees than domestic students, sometimes up to four times the amount for the same degree. This income stream has become increasingly crucial for Australian universities, especially in the face of declining government funding for research, teaching, and campus infrastructure. The fees paid by international students help support the universities financially and contribute to the wider economy.
However, there are concerns about Australia's over-reliance on income from international students. NSW auditors have warned of a "market concentration risk" as universities' finances and budgets become heavily dependent on foreign student fees. The Australian government's recent crackdown on migration, including changes to visa processing and entry conditions, has led to a decline in international student visa approvals. This trend could potentially result in significant job losses in the education sector and a wider funding gap for universities.
In conclusion, international students make a substantial contribution to the Australian economy, with their tuition fees supporting the higher education sector and boosting the country's economic position. However, the challenges posed by shifting migration policies and the potential impact on universities and the economy highlight the complex nature of the international student industry in Australia.
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International students face social isolation and cultural differences
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2019, international students represented an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities. International students inject almost $32 billion into Australia's economy each year and support 130,000 Australian jobs. They also bring Australia and the world closer together and build important diplomatic and personal ties.
However, international students in Australia face several challenges, including social isolation and cultural differences. These issues can impact their mental health and wellbeing. For many international students, English is not their first language, and they may struggle with language barriers, making it difficult to improve their English language skills and leading to feelings of isolation. Social fragmentation can also occur when international students associate primarily with others who speak the same language, further isolating them from the wider university community.
Cultural differences and the challenges of adjusting to new cultural norms in social and educational circles can also create difficulties in developing intercultural friendships, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and isolation. International students may also face discrimination and safety issues, impacting their sense of belonging and community connectedness.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these existing challenges, with international students experiencing increased worry about loved ones, social isolation, financial and employment insecurity, and challenges related to online learning.
It is important to address these issues and provide support to enhance the health and wellbeing of international students. This can include promoting student-led social activities, facilitating peer support networks, and providing opportunities for international students to connect with the wider Australian community.
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Australian government policy discriminates against students from certain countries
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students in Australia, representing 26.45% of the student body population in Australian universities. International students contribute significantly to Australia's economy, injecting $31.9 billion in 2018 and supporting 130,000 jobs.
However, critics argue that Australian policies discriminate against citizens from certain countries, particularly those with lower economic opportunities. This is evident in the international student intake policy, which favours students from wealthier nations. Additionally, there are concerns about the ability of international students to engage in English-based systems, with English being a second language for many. Social isolation due to language barriers, racial and cultural differences, and other challenges can hinder their academic progress.
The Australian government's visa policies have also been criticised for their discriminatory nature. The health requirement for visa applicants, which sets an "excessive" cost to public services at AU$40,000, has been contentious. While applicants for some visas can apply for a waiver on economic and social benefit grounds, most student visa applicants are not eligible for such waivers. This results in visa refusals if the applicant or their family members fail to meet the health requirement.
Furthermore, the Australian government's push to reduce migration has led to a crackdown on the international student sector. The government has implemented stricter visa processing, more stringent entry conditions, and increased application fees, making it more difficult for international students to obtain visas.
The University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, both located in New South Wales, have the highest number of international students, contributing more than 50% of their total revenue.
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Frequently asked questions
RMIT University is the most popular university among international students, with 26,590 international students enrolled.
International students are a significant source of income for Australia, injecting almost $32 billion into the economy each year and supporting around 130,000 jobs.
New South Wales has the highest number of international students, with 244,193 enrolled in higher education institutions as of December 2022.
In 2019, international students represented an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities. This is the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world.
International students in Australia often face challenges such as social isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences, as well as safety issues. There have also been concerns about discrimination in Australia's international student intake policy based on the economic status of students' home countries.











































