Australia's Economy
Education as an Export
How international students became one of Australia's largest exports, why students from India and China matter, and how visa caps from 2024 affected universities.
International education is one of Australia’s largest exports.
Size
Education exports are worth tens of billions of Australian dollars a year, among the top exports alongside iron ore, coal and gas.
Why it’s an export
When foreign students pay fees and living costs in Australia, it counts as a services export.
Students
- China and India are the largest sources of international students.
- Hundreds of thousands study in Australia at any time.
University finances
Universities rely heavily on international fees to fund research and domestic teaching.
Pathways
Many students seek work rights and permanent residence after study.
Policy changes
- Concerns about housing pressure and visa misuse led to tighter rules from 2023-24.
- Visa fees rose sharply, and caps on new enrolments were proposed.
India link
Deakin and Wollongong universities opened campuses in India’s GIFT City in 2024, a new way of exporting education.
An Indian student pays tuition and rent in Melbourne. In Australia's trade statistics, this spending counts as an education export.
International education is a major Australian services export.
- Education is one of Australia's largest exports.
- China and India are the top sources of students.
- Universities depend on international fees.
- Visa rules tightened from 2023-24.
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