Australian Universities Face Student Decline

0:00Chinese students still make up the biggest group of international students in Australia, around 23% of the total, or 100. 92,000 out of 833,000, as of October 2025. But their numbers are dropping fast, with applications down 25% in the first half of the 2025-2000. 26th school year, after a 12% dip the year before. This hits university revenue hard, since they bring in the most cash. Experts point to China's shaky economy making families pickier about big spends on overseas study, plus Australia's rising costs, like doubled fees for, graduate visas. Add-in China's falling birth rates, and an aging population, and long-term demand looks grim, with Moody's predicting a sharp drop after 2030. Students and recruiters say, the shine of an Australian degree is spating. No more golden ticket to top jobs back home amid high youth unemployment, around 16%.

1:00Many now choose closer spots, like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, or even top Chinese unis, like peaking and chinghua that are climbing global. Rankings fast. Universities are pushing back by diversifying recruits, setting up offshore campuses in places like Malaysia, and Vietnam, and expanding joint programs. In China, to deliver Aussie degrees without the full travel bill. All this means Australia needs steady policies to stay competitive, or that reliable income stream from Chinese students could dry up for good. You've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.