Overview
Education is Australia's second largest services export sector behind Tourism. Over the last 10 years the industry has achieved 15 per cent average growth per annum according to The Australia Bureau of Statistics.
Key opportunities
As at year-to-date (YTD) October 2009 there were 610,443 enrolments by full fee-paying international students in Australia on a student visa. This represented growth of 18.2% on YTD October 2008 figures. China and India are the two largest source markets for international students with China accounting for 24.4% of enrolments and India 19.1%.
The vocational education and training sector (VET) ranked first by volume of enrolments (225,619) , and was the fastest growing sector (35.6% growth in enrolments). Asian countries represented 85.0% of all VET enrolments.
The higher education sector ranked second by volume of enrolments (200,909), a growth of 12.4% on YTD October 2008 figures.
The English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) sector ranked third in enrolments (123,754), increasing 10% on YTD October 2008 figures. Asian countries represented 70.3% of all enrolments in the sector.
Enrolments in courses such as study abroad and foundation programs, included in the 'Other' sector, grew by 7.2% (32,531). The Schools sector ranked fifth by volume of enrolments (27,630) and declined by 2.1% over the previous year.
The following countries were the top 5 source countries contributing over 57% of all students across all sectors: China India, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Nepal.
(Source: AEI International Student Data. AEI data on enrolments and commencements [including the data in this update] relate only to international students in Australia on a student visa. ‘Other’ includes Foundation, Bridging and Enabling courses plus other courses that do not lead to a qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework.)
Other education events
Both private and public sector agencies coordinate events overseas to promote Australian education and support the attraction of international students to Australian institutions. To find out more refer to the following websites:
- AEI - the Australian Government International Education Network
The international arm of the federal Department of Education, Science and Training. This is a partnership between the Australian Government and the education and training community, with a network of offices and representatives around the world - mostly in Asia. It also works in partnership with Austrade in Brazil and some offices in Europe to deliver education promotion services.
Link to: AEI Event Calendar.
- IDP - Calendar of Events
An independent, export development and marketing company owned by a range of shareholders that include Australia's 37 universities. With national offices in Sydney and Canberra and an international network of 63 offices in 35 countries, IDP is involved in international student recruitment, market research, project development and international English language testing.
Australia's education exports
International education activity contributed $17.2 billion in export income to the Australian economy in 2008-09, up 23.2 per cent from the previous financial year.
Participation in international education exhibitions continues to be the primary marketing and recruitment channel for Australian education institutions. Austrade organises a series of exhibitions throughout the world to support the export aims of Australian education providers.
(Source: Tables 2, 9, 10 and 12 of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ publication International Trade in Services, by Country, by State and by Detailed Services Category, Financial Year, 2008-09 [ABS Catalogue no. 5368.0.55.003].)
Austrade education exhibitions are designed to:
 provide students and parents with first hand information on study opportunities in Australia - strengthen the image and reputation of Australian education institutions internationally
- assist in recruitment of students for intake in the next academic year and beyond
- help Australian institutions develop/enhance their relationships with new and existing partners
- complement other in-country marketing efforts of individual institutions
- win market share for Australia in overseas education services
Terms and conditions of participation
The primary purpose of Austrade education exhibitions is to provide Australian education and training providers the opportunity to market to, counsel and recruit prospective clients (students or otherwise) on available courses of study and training, and where appropriate, make formal offer of places at their institutions.
Who can attend?
Austrade education exhibitions are open to Australian education and training providers with current CRICOS registration, where applicable. Additional selection criteria applies and is noted under the first clause of the Terms and Conditions.
CRICOS registration
CRICOS registration, where applicable, is required by institutions seeking to participate in Austrade Education events. Austrade accepts no responsibility for an applicant's failure to comply with CRICOS registration procedures. It is a legislative requirement to include a providers CRICOS number of promotional literature for international exhibitions and this should be provided upon the Austrade Application Form. For more information on CRICOS, please refer to the following website: http://cricos.dest.gov.au.
How can we help you?
With a worldwide network of highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
In the education industry, Austrade runs international trade fairs, seminars and other events designed to assist Australian Education providers engage with local students and agents in the markets and achieve enrolments for their institutions.
Austrade is also able to offer business matching services to institutions seeking agents or offshore partners for their programs.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful links and contacts
Export advice
Mr Peter Mackey
Senior Industry Adviser - Education & Training
Tel: +61 2 9390 2926
Fax: +61 2 9390 2052
Mobile: +61 416 059 776
Email: peter.mackey@austrade.gov.au
Industry
Government
Last updated: 04 Dec 2009
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