Indians go Down Under for higher studies

The numbers are likely to increase exponentially in the coming months as, according to some media reports, international students are beginning to shun the US because of the anti-immigrant policies of President Donald Trump. With the US and UK occupying the top two positions, Australia is ranked third as the favoured destination for international students. 

“With record student numbers and record student satisfaction, 2016 was a ‘gangbuster’ year for international education in Australia and the vital role it plays in our national economic and social prosperity,” Australia’s Federal Minister for Education and Training  Simon Birmingham said in a media release Wednesday. While the United States continues to be the number one choice for Indian students, Australia is clearly the second-most popular destination. 

A record number of 78,424 students from India enrolled in Australia in 2016. This represents an increase of 8.9 per cent on 2015 and is second only to China. India’s gigantic northern neighbour continues to occupy the numero uno position with 196,315 (an increase of 15.7 percent on the 2015 enrolment figures). The number of commencements has also been going northwards with every year. 

The higher education sector has also maintained its top position with 43 per cent students opting for such courses in 2016. According to statistics provided by the Department of Education and Training, China and India accounted for 36.8 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively, of enrolments by students in higher education. 

The fascination of Indian students for vocational training courses continued for another year as students from the country accounted for 14.7 per cent enrolments in the sector. Melbourne has always attracted the bulk of Indian students and 2016 was no exception as 34,347 enrolled in various Victorian institutes. 

New South Wales (which has Sydney as its state capital) was number two on the list as 18,900 Indian students enrolled there in 2016. Some experts blame higher living expenses in Australia’s largest city Sydney for this phenomenon.  Thanks to the “gangbuster” year, international education has once again regained its position as the third-largest export sector. International students generated more than A$21 billion of economic activity in Australia.