International education earnings in Australia have fallen by AU$2.5 billion in the last 12 months, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The sector is reported to have earned $15.1bn in the four quarters to September this year, compared with $17.6bn over the preceding 12 months – a fall of 14 per cent.
The results continue a downward spiral for the sector, which has been buffeted by the strict regulations imposed by the Baird Review following the runaway growth of 2007-2009. Rising costs of living have also played a role.
This September’s quarter earnings of $3.7bn are the lowest since 2007, and 22 per cent lower than the record high of $4.8bn seen between July and September 2009.
While the government agreed on a
raft of measures to encourage international recruitment in September, it is yet to be seen whether Australia can regain the edge it held as a study destination for much of the last decade, although Australian sources are optimistic. "The mood of the industry is upbeat and we feel the first steps have been taken to get us back on course," said Sue Blundell, Executive Director of English Australia.
"The mood of the industry is upbeat"
She continued, "Whilst we are already seeing positive impacts from the announcement of the Knight review and the first signs of growth in…visa grants for July to September, it will take time for this to convert into growth for colleges."
Mark W Harris, President and CEO of ELS Educational Services, which acquired Universal English College Sydney this summer, added, "Although the international student trends in Australia are concerning, ELS has confidence in the Australian model for international education."
International education earnings in Australia have fallen by AU$2.5 billion in the last 12 months, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The sector is reported to have earned $15.1bn in the four quarters to September this year, compared with $17.6bn over the preceding 12 months – a fall of 14 per cent.
The results continue a downward spiral for the sector, which has been buffeted by the strict regulations imposed by the Baird Review following the runaway growth of 2007-2009. Rising costs of living have also played a role.
This September’s quarter earnings of $3.7bn are the lowest since 2007, and 22 per cent lower than the record high of $4.8bn seen between July and September 2009.
While the government agreed on a raft of measures to encourage international recruitment in September, it is yet to be seen whether Australia can regain the edge it held as a study destination for much of the last decade, although Australian sources are optimistic. “The mood of the industry is upbeat and we feel the first steps have been taken to get us back on course,” said Sue Blundell, Executive Director of English Australia.
“The mood of the industry is upbeat”
She continued, “Whilst we are already seeing positive impacts from the announcement of the Knight review and the first signs of growth in…visa grants for July to September, it will take time for this to convert into growth for colleges.”
Mark W Harris, President and CEO of ELS Educational Services, which acquired Universal English College Sydney this summer, added, “Although the international student trends in Australia are concerning, ELS has confidence in the Australian model for international education.”
