Janice Lozano
Australia is a popular choice for Chinese students, with English as the main language of instruction in most courses, high-quality education, and world-renowned universities. In 2020, nearly 160,000 Chinese students were enrolled in Australian universities, accounting for about 37% of international enrolments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and strict border closures impacted the number of Chinese students in Australia, with an estimated 35% of enrolled Chinese international students based outside of Australia in November 2022. The recent announcement by the Chinese government that remote study for an overseas university degree will no longer be accredited in China is expected to boost the return of Chinese students to Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Chinese students enrolled in Australian universities in 2020 | 160,000 |
| Percentage of international enrolments in higher education made up of Chinese students before the pandemic | 37% |
| Number of Chinese enrolments in Australia as of June 2022 | 141,000+ |
| Percentage of international students in Australia that Chinese students make up | 21-22% |
| Number of student visa applications from offshore Chinese students for higher education in the six months to Dec. 31, 2022 | 23,500 |
| Percentage of international student fees of total revenue in 2020 | 26% |
| Number of international students enrolled in Australian universities in 2025 | 741,224 |
| Number of international students enrolled in courses and degrees in Australia in December 2023 | 975,229 |
| Percentage of international students in Australia that Chinese students made up in 2024 | 40% |
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What You'll Learn
- Chinese students make up 21-22% of international students in Australia
- English as the main language of instruction attracts Chinese students
- Chinese students contribute billions to the Australian economy
- Australian universities' over-reliance on Chinese students for revenue
- Chinese students' academic freedom in Australia
Chinese students make up 21-22% of international students in Australia
Australia is a popular choice for Chinese students, with Chinese students applying to Australian universities in record numbers. In December 2023, Chinese students made up 21% of the 975,229 international students enrolled in courses and degrees in Australia. This percentage has been higher in the past, with Chinese students accounting for about 37% of international enrolments in higher education prior to the pandemic, and 40% of international students in 2020. In June 2022, there were more than 141,000 Chinese enrolments in the country, and as of March 2025, Chinese students make up 22% of Australia's international students.
There are several reasons why Australia is an attractive option for Chinese students. Firstly, English is the main language of instruction in most educational courses in Australia. As English is also the de facto official and national language of Australia, proficiency in English is a key requirement for admission to Australian universities, including for international students. This makes Australia a particularly appealing option for Chinese students seeking an international education taught in English.
Secondly, Australia is home to several world-renowned universities, with many ranked in the world's top 100. The country's Group of Eight (Go8) universities attract almost two-thirds of Chinese higher-degree research students and undertake 70% of the nation's university research activity, enhancing their reputation for academic excellence. The high standards of Australian universities ensure that students can master how to write and interpret quality papers in English, and gain internationally recognised qualifications.
The large number of Chinese students in Australia has a significant impact on the country's economy and demographics. International education is one of Australia's largest exports, contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year. In 2022-23, international education was worth $36.4 billion to the Australian economy, with many universities relying on international student fees to fund their research. However, there are concerns about the over-reliance of Australian universities on Chinese students for revenue. A decline in the number of Chinese students could be "catastrophic" for some universities, as they have treated Chinese students as ""cash cows" and relied on their fees for expansion and funding.
The recent announcement by the Chinese government that remote study for an overseas university degree will no longer be accredited in China is likely to incentivise Chinese students to return to Australia to complete or take up university studies. This could provide a boost for Australia's university sector and the broader economy. However, there are still major barriers to the return of Chinese students, including visa applications, securing flights and accommodation, and strict COVID-19 policies.
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English as the main language of instruction attracts Chinese students
Australia is a popular study destination for Chinese students, with Chinese students applying to Australian universities in record numbers. As of June 2022, there were over 141,000 Chinese enrolments in Australia, constituting 22% of the country's international students. English being the main language of instruction in Australian universities is a significant factor in attracting Chinese students.
English is a major vehicle of instruction in Australian universities, and proficiency in English is a key requirement for admission, including for international students from China. Chinese students are eager to improve their English language skills, and studying in an English-speaking country is an attractive prospect for them. This is especially true for those seeking an international education taught in English, as it provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and improve their fluency.
In addition to the language factor, the high quality of education offered by Australian universities is a significant draw for Chinese students. Many Australian universities are ranked in the world's top 100, and the country is known for its academic rigor and research opportunities. The Group of Eight (Go8) universities, in particular, attract almost two-thirds of Chinese higher-degree research students and undertake 70% of the nation's university research activity.
Other factors that make Australia an attractive study destination for Chinese students include its positive country image, safety situation, and affordable living costs. The streamlined visa process and post-study work visa policies in Australia may also contribute to its appeal. Furthermore, the desire for cultural exchange and the opportunity to experience Western culture and independence are additional motivations for Chinese students choosing to study in Australia.
However, it is important to note that the large number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia has led to concerns about the over-reliance of Australian universities on this group of students for revenue. There have also been challenges in terms of cultural integration, with some Chinese students reporting disappointment in their English language development due to a lack of interaction with Australian peers and structural isolation from non-Chinese students in certain courses.
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Chinese students contribute billions to the Australian economy
Australia is a popular choice for Chinese students, with English being the main language of instruction in most courses, making it an attractive option for students seeking an international education taught in English. The high-quality education and research opportunities offered by Australian universities also attract Chinese students, with many universities ranked in the world's top 100. The country's Group of Eight (Go8) universities, in particular, attract almost two-thirds of Chinese higher-degree research students.
The large number of Chinese students in Australia has a significant impact on the country's economy. International education is one of Australia's largest exports, contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year. In 2022-23, international education was worth $36.4 billion to the Australian economy, with universities relying on international student fees to fund their research. Chinese students make up a significant proportion of international students in Australia, with around 141,000 enrolments as of June 2022 and comprising 21%-22% of international students.
The high demand for overseas education among Chinese students is partly due to the limited number of university spots in China due to its large population. Additionally, the recent Chinese government announcement that remote study for an overseas university degree will no longer be accredited in China is expected to incentivize more Chinese students to return to Australia for their studies.
However, there are concerns about Australian universities' over-reliance on Chinese students for revenue, with some universities treating them as "cash cows". A decline in Chinese student numbers could be detrimental to universities' financial positions. Universities are now looking to diversify their international student intake, with India being a potential source. Nonetheless, Australia's universities continue to be a popular choice for Chinese students, contributing significantly to the country's economy.
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Australian universities' over-reliance on Chinese students for revenue
Australia is one of the top destinations for Chinese students to study abroad, with Chinese students applying to Australian universities in record numbers. As of June 2022, there were over 141,000 Chinese enrolments in Australia, making up 22% of international students in the country. In December 2023, Chinese students comprised 21% of the total international student body, with a total of 975,229 international students enrolled in Australian universities.
The high number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, English is the main language of instruction in most educational courses in Australia, making it an attractive option for Chinese students seeking an international education taught in English. Additionally, the limited number of university spots in China due to its large population contributes to the high demand for overseas education opportunities. The high quality of education offered by Australian universities, with many ranked in the world's top 100, is another factor attracting Chinese students. The country's Group of Eight (Go8) universities, which undertake 70% of the nation's university research activity, are particularly popular among Chinese students.
While the large number of Chinese students in Australia has had a significant impact on the country's economy and demographics, there are concerns about Australian universities' over-reliance on this group of students for revenue. International student fees are a major source of income for Australian universities, contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year. In 2020, international student fees represented about 26% to 27% of total university revenue. With Chinese students making up a significant proportion of international students in Australia, a decline in their numbers could have a substantial financial impact on universities.
Some universities have treated Chinese students as "cash cows," relying heavily on their fees for expansion and funding. However, this reliance on a single group of students is risky, and universities need to diversify their income sources to ensure a stable economic future. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerability of relying heavily on international students, as travel restrictions and remote learning impacted the ability of students to return to Australia.
Australian universities need to reduce their dependence on revenue from Chinese students and seek alternative sources of income to ensure their financial stability. While India is the second-largest source country for international students globally, it may not be the solution for Australian universities due to the lower number of potential students and the lower average income of its population compared to China. Universities need to develop strategies to attract a more diverse range of international students and reduce their over-reliance on any single group to avoid potential financial risks.
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Chinese students' academic freedom in Australia
Australia is a popular choice for Chinese students, with more than 141,000 Chinese enrolments in the country as of June 2022. In 2020, nearly 160,000 students from China were enrolled in Australian universities, making up about 37% of international enrolments in higher education. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately 40% of all onshore international students in Australia came from China, with Chinese students making up roughly 10% of the total student population. The large number of Chinese students in Australia has a significant impact on the country's economy and demographics, with international education contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year.
However, the high number of Chinese student enrolments in Australia has also led to concerns about the academic freedom of these students and the universities' failure to protect it. Human Rights Watch has accused Australian universities of turning a blind eye to the harassment, intimidation, and surveillance of pro-democracy Chinese students and academics by pro-Beijing supporters and the Chinese government. Many Chinese students in Australia say they alter their behaviour and self-censor to avoid threats and harassment from classmates and being "reported on" by them to the authorities back home. This culture of self-censorship is driven by fears of visa rejections, family members being punished or interrogated, and universities' failure to address these issues.
Additionally, the reliance of Australian universities on international student fees, including those from China, has been cited as a reason for their inaction. It has been argued that universities prioritise maintaining their relationship with the Chinese government and managing their financial position over protecting the academic freedom of their students and staff.
While this abusive behaviour does not represent most Chinese students in Australia, the actions of a small but vocal minority have the potential to influence many others. The majority of Chinese students do not get involved in political disputes or choose to express their views peacefully. The University Foreign Interference Taskforce has been urged to examine issues of harassment, intimidation, censorship, and self-censorship as a priority to safeguard the academic freedom of international students and staff.
To address these concerns, Australian universities and vice-chancellors should speak out against incidents of harassment and intimidation and publicly commit to protecting academic freedom. They should also ensure that students know that "reporting on" the activities of fellow students or staff to embassies is a serious violation of the student code of conduct and grounds for disciplinary action.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2022, there were more than 141,000 Chinese enrolments in Australian universities, making up about one in ten students. Before the pandemic, Chinese students accounted for about 37% of international enrolments in higher education in Australia.
Australia is one of the top places for Chinese students to study abroad due to the high-quality education and research opportunities offered by Australian universities. The country's world-renowned Group of Eight (Go8) universities attract almost two-thirds of Chinese higher-degree research students. English is the main language of instruction in most educational courses in Australia, making it an attractive option for Chinese students seeking an international education taught in English.
International education is one of Australia's largest exports, contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year. In 2020, international student fees represented about 26% of total university revenue. The high number of Chinese students has led to concerns about the over-reliance of Australian universities on this group of students for revenue. A decline in Chinese student numbers could be "catastrophic" for some universities, as they have treated Chinese students as "cash cows".
