According to Australian Media Outlets, India topped China to become the number one country of Origin for Foreign Students in Victoria, Australia, after the country decided to re-open its borders for international students.

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Main Stats

The total number of international students in Victoria rose to around 96,300 students from 68,400 in December 2021. Before the pandemic, the number was around 151,500.

Out of 96,300 international students, students from India constitute a quarter of it. Students from China make up around 19 percent and Nepal is around seven percent. This data has been provided by universities and student accommodation providers who reported that the number of international students in Melbourne has been better than anticipated.

Prior to the lockdown in March of 2020, a total number of students from China constituted around 25 percent of the total whereas Indian students were around 24 percent.

Factors responsible for a lower number of Chinese students 

According to members of the International Higher Education sector, a combination of factors may have contributed to the low number of Chinese students. These include factors such as rigid Covid-19 restrictions at home, travel limitations, and geopolitical tensions.

Mr. Gary Li, President of the Education Consultants Association of Australia, has said that Chinese students are currently choosing to pursue higher education in Uk as it reopened its borders earlier. 

Other factors like the tense relationship between China and Australia due to trade tariffs and criticism over Beijing’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine are also responsible.

According to data released by the Department of Home Affairs, around 57 percent of Chinese student visa holders are outside Australia compared to 9 percent of Indian Students. 

Check: Study in Australia: Top Universities, Cost and Visa Requirements

Incentives offered by Federal Government

The Federal Government of Australia is offering several incentives to welcome international students back to the country. This includes waiving the $630 visa application fee and removing the 40-hour-a-fortnight cap on working hours until at least next month.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has been urging for the return of international students as they make up about 38 percent of CBD residents before the lockdown of borders. She remarked, ‘Melbourne has missed its international student population, as workers, as customers, as friends and as valued members of our community.’

As reported by La Trobe University, around 1000 new students were admitted this semester which is well above their expectations and doubles that of last year’s figure. Courses in Business, Nursing, and Education are most popular among international students. 

At Melbourne University, the total number of international students rose from 2000 last year to 23,000 this year. Courses most in-demand among foreign students include health sciences, commerce, engineering and IT are most in-demand.

Other Victorian Universities reported that exact enrolment numbers will only be known after the higher education census date of March 31.

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