The Australian Department of Education recently released international student data, valid up to september. The total number of international students in Australia is approximately 822,000, representing a 0,14% decrease from the previous year. This figure includes high school students, university students, college students, those in vocational training programs, and short-term english language courses (6-9 months).
The number of Vietnamese students stands at about 36,000, the second highest in the past 10 years, yet it marks a reduction of 1,600 compared to last year. Over 30,000 of these are continuing students from previous years, while the number of newly arrived students has plummeted by over 40%, now only around 5,500. While the Australian Department of Education did not release detailed data, it stated that the decline in new arrivals from Southeast Asia was primarily observed in high school, vocational training, and short-term courses.
The sharpest percentage drop in Vietnamese international students was recorded in Tasmania, falling by over 20%. Victoria experienced the largest numerical decrease, with over 1,100 fewer students.
| no. | state and territory | number of vietnamese international students, 9/2024 | number of vietnamese international students, 9/2025 |
| 1 | New South Wales | 13,000 | 12,400 |
| 2 | Victoria | 15,500 | 14,800 |
| 3 | Queensland | 2,900 | 2,800 |
| 4 | South Australia | 3,200 | 3,000 |
| 5 | Western Australia | 2,100 | 2,000 |
| 6 | Tasmania | 400 | 320 |
| 7 | Northern Territory | 370 | 340 |
| 8 | Australian Capital Territory | 540 | 500 |
Among the top 5 countries sending students to Australia, China continues to lead with over 143,000 individuals, accounting for 23%. India follows with 17%, and Nepal with 8%. Vietnamese and Philippine students each account for about 4% of the total, ranking fourth and fifth respectively.
At the university level (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees), management and commerce remains the most popular field of study, followed by information technology. For international students pursuing vocational training programs, management and commerce is also a top choice, followed by food, hospitality, and personal services.
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Melbourne University campus, Australia. *Photo: The University of Melbourne Fanpage* |
Over the past two years, Australia has consistently tightened its policies for international students to manage immigration numbers. For instance, the post-study work visa period for international students has been reduced from 4-6 years to 2-4 years. English language requirements have also been raised to 6,0-6,5 ielts, an increase of 0,5 points. Additionally, the required financial proof and visa application fees have both increased.
The government has set an international student enrollment cap for 2025 at 270,000, a reduction of over 53,000 compared to the previous year. For 2026, the cap is raised to 295,000.
Khanh Linh
