Bond University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Bond University, Australia's first private, not-for-profit university, welcomed its first cohort of 322 students in 1989. Since then, the university has grown significantly, with a diverse community of around 4,500 to 5,700 students, including both domestic and international students. Bond University offers a broad range of internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is known for its low student-to-staff ratio, providing small class sizes and individual mentoring.

Bond University's student population in 2023: 5,707

Bond University is a private, not-for-profit university located in Robina on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It was Australia's first private, not-for-profit university when it was established in 1989. The university has four faculties and offers a range of accelerated undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and non-award programs.

In 2023, Bond University had a total of 5,707 enrolments, comprising 3,489 domestic students and 2,218 international students. This is a significant increase from its initial intake of 322 students in 1989. The university aims to maintain a 50-50 ratio of domestic to international students, creating a diverse cohort of globally-minded students.

Bond University's standard academic calendar consists of three semesters per year, with each semester containing 13 weeks of instruction, one week of examinations, and three weeks of semester break. The university has one of Australia's lowest student-teacher ratios, allowing for a personalised approach to education and unmatched support for its students.

The university's campus features a series of sandstone buildings centred around Lake Orr, with academic, technological, and recreational facilities available for students. Bond University offers a range of support services to guide students from their first weeks on campus to their future careers.

The university's first cohort in 1989: 322 students

Bond University's first cohort in 1989 comprised 322 students. The university's foundation day was on the 15th of May, 1989, and it was Australia's first private, not-for-profit university. The first cohort of students began their studies at a half-completed campus, amid controversy over the launch of Australia's first private university.

The university was established with the vision of delivering educational excellence that satisfied the highest international standards. This vision remains at the forefront of the university's ethos, alongside a commitment to providing a student experience that benefits and transforms every graduate. Today, students are at the heart of every decision, action, and innovation made by the university.

Bond University offers a personalised approach to education, with world-class academics and dedicated staff supporting each student during their time at the university and beyond. This has contributed to the university's outstanding student experience, with more than 90% of students rating their educational experience positively. The university also has one of Australia's lowest student-teacher ratios, enabling unmatched support and mentoring for its students.

The first cohort of 322 students has been immortalised on plaques featuring all their names. These plaques are set in a garden beside statues of the university's co-founders, Alan Bond and Harunori Takahashi. The opening of this new feature was a part of the university's Homecoming 2024 celebrations, which included a gala ball, alumni awards, public forums, and a performance by the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra.

Ratio of domestic to international students: 3,489:2,218

Bond University is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students from all over Australia and the world to study on campus. In 2023, Bond University had a total of 5,707 enrolments, comprising 3,489 domestic students and 2,218 international students. This diverse cohort of globally-minded students contributes to Bond's outstanding student experience by providing students with international exposure, experiences, and networks, as well as valuable connections for their careers.

Bond University, Australia's first private, not-for-profit university, was established with the vision of delivering educational excellence that meets the highest international standards. This vision remains at the core of the university's ethos, along with its commitment to providing a student experience that benefits and transforms every graduate. The university strives to make every decision, action, and innovation with students, their experiences, and their ambitions at the heart of it.

Bond University's low student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1, one of the lowest in Australia, enables unmatched support, mentoring, and personalised education. The university's three-semester-per-year timetable facilitates accelerated study programs, allowing students to complete a bachelor's degree in two years instead of three or a master's degree in 12 months. This accelerated structure, combined with small class sizes, encourages productive engagement and individual mentoring.

The university's extensive corporate partnerships provide students with access to industry leaders, internships, scholarships, and graduate placement opportunities with renowned organisations worldwide. Bond University's global community extends beyond its campus, with more than 30,000 alumni located in over 120 countries, offering students unmatched networking opportunities and a lifelong, global network.

Australia's lowest student-teacher ratio

Bond University in Queensland, Australia, claims to have the country's lowest student-teacher ratio. The university does not, however, disclose the exact ratio. According to the Good Universities Guide 2025, the ratio is 11:1.

Bond University welcomed 322 students when it first opened its doors in 1989, making it Australia's first private, not-for-profit university. The university has since become a nationally and internationally recognised institution, with more than 30,000 graduates working in 120 countries around the world.

In 2023, Bond University had a total of 5,707 enrolments, including 3,489 domestic and 2,218 international students. The university's low student-teacher ratio enables it to provide unmatched support and mentoring to its students. Its personalised approach to education is a key part of the Bond student experience, with world-class academics and dedicated staff supporting each student during their time at the university and beyond.

The average student-to-teacher ratio in Australia varies depending on the school sector and level of education. In 2023, the overall student-to-teacher ratio across all schools was 13.1, a slight improvement from 13.3 in 2021. Independent schools had a lower ratio of 11.8, compared to Catholic and government schools, which averaged 13.4. At the secondary level, the average ratio was 11.8, while at the primary level, it was higher at 14.3.

Around 4,500 students in an internationally diverse community

Bond University is a private, not-for-profit university located in Robina on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It welcomed its first cohort of 322 students in 1989 and has since grown to accommodate around 4,500 students. This includes 3,489 domestic students and 2,218 international students, creating a diverse and close-knit community.

The university's campus spans 50 hectares and includes sandstone faculty buildings, student facilities, cafes, restaurants, shops, landscaped gardens, sporting fields, bushland, and a saltwater lake. The campus boasts state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, with a wide array of on-campus accommodation and dining options. More than 70 sporting, recreational, and special interest clubs operate on campus, fostering a tight-knit community spirit and enhancing the student experience.

Bond University offers a broad range of internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across its faculties of Law, Business, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health Sciences & Medicine, and the Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture. The university has one of Australia's lowest student-to-staff ratios, enabling small class sizes and individual mentoring. This personalised approach to education, combined with its focus on industry relevance, sets Bond University apart from other Australian universities.

The university's three-semester-per-year schedule facilitates accelerated study programs, allowing students to complete a six-semester bachelor's degree in two years or a master's degree in 12 months. Bond University's extensive corporate partnerships provide students with access to industry leaders, internships, scholarships, and graduate placement opportunities worldwide. The university also offers international exchange programs, providing students with the chance to study at leading universities around the world.

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