Australia witnesses record 10 per cent surge in overseas students

The latest International Student Survey has shown a record 10 per cent surge in the number of international students coming to Australia to 5,54,179.

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Ms Harinder Sidhu, has welcomed the survey results saying, "Australia has some of the world's best institutions and academics and our government recognises the importance of our international education system."

"The Australia-India education relationship is strong and vibrant. India is our second largest source of overseas students," Sidhu adedd.

The survey of 65,000 students revealed that a record nine out of ten international tertiary students were either satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience in Australia.

Based on the results, the top three reasons international students chose to study in Australia were: the reputation of Australian qualifications, the reputation of the Australian education system as a whole; and personal safety and security.

The 2016 preliminary export data shows international education exports hit a record USD 21.8 billion, making it Australia's third largest export after iron ore and coal.