International students make a very significant contribution to the Australian economy. Deloitte Access Economics estimates that in 2009 the total value-added to the Australian economy by international students of all types was $16.5 billion, while international students generated demand for 180,805 employees on a full time equivalent basis.

From 2002 to 2009 there was strong growth in international student enrolments in Australia with numbers more than doubling. In 2010 this upward trend came to an abrupt halt and, indeed, total enrolment numbers across all education sectors dropped in 2010. A fall of this magnitude is substantial, and some universities’ bottom lines would come under pressure.

This report, commissioned by Universities Australia, looks at the broader implications from a downturn in international students.

Published: July 2011