Savanna Hoffman
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world, with 1 international student per 33.6 people in 2023. In December 2022, New South Wales had the highest number of international students studying in higher education institutions, with 244,193 students. The Northern Territory had the least number of foreign students, with 3,781 students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of international students in Australia | 786,891 in 2023; 713,144 on 29 February 2024; 794,113 in April 2025 |
| Number of international students enrolled in higher education institutions | 361,247 in December 2022 |
| State/Territory with the most international students | New South Wales (244,193 in December 2022) |
| State/Territory with the least international students | Northern Territory (3,781 in December 2022) |
| Top countries of origin | China (23%); India (17%); Nepal (8%); Vietnam (5%); Philippines (4%) |
| Most popular field of education | Management and Commerce |
| Most popular level of study | Masters degree (Coursework) |
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What You'll Learn
New South Wales has the highest number of international students
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, a 27% increase from the previous year. New South Wales is the region with the most international students in Australia, with a total of 244,193 students. This number represents a significant increase of 11.1% from December 2021.
The majority of international students in New South Wales come from China, which is the most significant source of international students to Australia overall. In 2023, there were 156,217 Chinese students in Australia, a decrease of 8.5% from the previous year. India is the second largest source of international students in Australia, with 100,302 students, followed by Nepal, Colombia, and the Philippines.
The high number of international students in New South Wales can be attributed to the state's prestigious universities and the opportunity to gain a high-quality education. Australia's immigration policy also encourages foreign students to work and stay in regional areas, making New South Wales an attractive destination for those seeking permanent residency.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the ability of international students to engage in English-based systems in Australia, as English may not be their first language. Additionally, there have been reports of rising safety issues and mental health challenges among international students, which Australia has been working to address. Despite these challenges, the number of international students in Australia continues to grow, and New South Wales remains the top destination for those seeking a world-class education and a pathway to permanent residency.
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China is the top source country
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, a 27% increase from the previous year. The latest data from April 2025 shows there were 794,113 international student enrolments, a 2% increase from 2024.
The large number of Chinese international students in Australia has led to some cultural and political issues. There have been reports of social isolation and racial and cultural differences between Chinese and other international students, particularly those from Hong Kong. In 2019, there were protests at the University of Queensland related to the Hong Kong extradition bill, during which mainland Chinese students were accused of monitoring and provoking Hong Kong students.
The Australian government's immigration policy encourages foreign students to work and stay in regional areas by offering skilled regional visas. This policy has been criticised for discriminating against citizens of certain countries and favouring those from nations with lower economic opportunities. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of mental health support for international students, who face rising educational and financial pressures, isolation, and homesickness.
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International students face mental health challenges
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, with New South Wales hosting the highest number of international students across the country.
International students in Australia face unique mental health challenges influenced by factors such as cultural adjustment, academic pressures, and social isolation. Studies indicate that anxiety affects between 2.4% and 43% of international students, while depression rates range from 3.6% to 38.3%. Approximately 31.6% to 54% of international students report experiencing psychological stress or distress, and between 5% and 18% have experienced suicidal thoughts, with around 2% having attempted suicide.
Financial difficulties and work-related stress affect 15.4% to 95% of international students, contributing to their mental health challenges. Experiences of discrimination and concerns about personal safety are also reported by 9% to 50% of international students, impacting their overall well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, increasing students' vulnerability to poor mental health and a range of social and financial issues.
International students may face barriers in accessing mental health support due to stigma, lack of awareness of available services, and financial constraints. However, Australia offers a range of mental health support services tailored to international students, including university counselling services, and organisations like Beyond Blue, which offers counselling for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety.
To better support international students' mental health, recommended measures include enhanced awareness campaigns, cultural competency training for service providers, and policy reforms addressing the unique challenges faced by international students to improve their access to mental health support.
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English language proficiency is required for a visa
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, and this number is expected to increase by 18% in 2024. New South Wales has the highest number of international students, with 244,193, while the Northern Territory has the least, with 3,781 students. The majority of international students in Australia come from China, with 156,217 students, followed by India, with 100,302 students.
English language proficiency is required for certain Australian visas, such as the student visa. When students apply for a student visa, they need to submit proof of their English language proficiency by providing a compulsory English language proficiency test score. The Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government does not accept scores from remote or 'at-home' English language tests. Tests must be taken at a secure test center, and the department only accepts certain approved tests, such as IELTS and the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test. The required test scores vary depending on the type of student visa being applied for. For example, from early 2024, ELICOS student visa applicants will need an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent, while Temporary Graduate visa applicants will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent. It's important to note that the specific English language requirements and accepted tests may change over time, so it's advisable to refer to the official website of the Australian Government for the most up-to-date information.
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International education is Australia's third-largest export
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2023, there were 786,891 international students enrolled in educational programs in Australia, a 27% increase from the previous year. This number is expected to grow by 18% in 2024, further boosting the country's export revenue.
New South Wales is the region with the highest number of international students in Australia, with 244,193 students as of December 2022. This is followed by Victoria, which has the second-highest number of international students and for which international education is the largest export. Queensland is also a popular destination for international students, with education as the third-largest export for the state.
The majority of international students in Australia come from China, with 156,217 students as of December 2022. India is the second-largest source of international students, with 100,302 students, followed by Nepal, Colombia, and the Philippines. The Australian government's immigration policy encourages foreign students to work and settle in regional areas, such as Adelaide and Tasmania, by offering skilled regional visas.
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Frequently asked questions
New South Wales has the highest number of international students in Australia, with 244,193 students as of December 2022.
As of April 2025, there were 794,113 international student enrolments in Australia, a 2% increase from 2024.
China is the country that sends the most international students to Australia, with 156,217 students as of December 2022.
The most popular field of education for international students in Australia is Management and Commerce, followed by Information Technology.
International students choose to study in Australia for various reasons, including the high quality of education, scholarship opportunities, the ability to work while studying, and the potential for immigration.
