According to the new IDP research, Australia has again gained popularity among international students as a study destination and it's ranking is steadily improving. However, in this regard, Canada still tops, but Australia is continuously closing the gap towards top position.

The Emerging Futures research was held in Aug 2022 with 11k applicants, prospective students, and current students.

As per the survey, Canada continues to remain the top option for 27% of students, consistent from March 2022. The 2nd position has been secured by Australia as the preferred study destination with 25% (spiked from 20% in March), whereas the 3rd position has been grabbed by the United Kingdom with 20% (same as in March). The United States is in 4th spot with 18% which has dipped from 20% in the spring.

Reason Behind Australia’s Popularity?

Australia regained its position among the prospective international students after re-opening its borders in late-2021. Several students also paid attention towards the January 2022 announcement of the Australian govt that the limits would be raised on number of work hours for students while studying . This policy will continue till June 30z 2023.

Working while studying has become a priority for a notable percentage of foreign students in 2022. Global economic contraction along with currency devaluations are also impacting the budget of students and their families. The IDP research highlighted the concern among prospective foreign students about the sufficiency of finances while studying in Australia.

Out of all the leading English-speaking countries, only Australia, and Canada (recently joined) have implemented policies to allow unlimited work hours for foreign students while studying in 2022. Also, Australia now acquires a competitive advantage over other destinations in safety of international students. Around 62% of students revealed in survey that they consider Australia "a safe country for international students" which has spiked from 50% in March 2022.

Countries Behind Australia's Popularity:

Among the top two student sender countries for abroad education i.e. China and India, Australia is not as popular as other leading countries, as per the IDP research. However, Australia is very popular among students from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. These countries are significantly important sending markets, so their gravitation towards Australia is good news for the educators of the country.

Australia's Perception Among Students:

The perception of the country among mostly international students is inclined towards positivity. Around 92% of current students revealed that the "academic support they had received from their institution had met or exceeded their expectations" whereas 87% of students were simply impressed the lifestyle of the foreign students in the country.

For prospective students, the primary concerns are "balancing part-time work and study, not having sufficient finances and adapting to a new culture and way of learning".

The Client Director of IDP Andrew Wharton, while speaking to research, said, "As we welcome students back, the opportunity for the Australian sector is to listen to what students want, which is clear career pathways and job opportunities during their studies, and to make sure their expectations are met when they arrive".