English Australia has produced a report detailing analysis of the Department of Education enrolment and commencement data up to the end of December 2024 along with analysis of the latest data released by the Department of Home Affairs on student visas.
A high-level view of 2024 enrolment figures shows significant growth in the higher education and vocational sectors in 2024. Only ELICOS enrolments were lower in 2024 than in 2023 (10.5% lower). This high-level view is quite misleading, however.
A more detailed analysis shows that these increases in HE and VET are almost purely from continuing students and pathway students – students who started in Australia in the months or years before 2024 and the many federal government interventions ostensibly aimed at shrinking international student numbers to reduce the Net Overseas Migration numbers.
The number of VET enrolments who were new to Australia in 2024 was actually down a massive 47% on the 2023 figure and 21% lower than 2019. The number of HE enrolments who were new students to Australia in 2024 was 11% lower than in 2023.
For ELICOS, the data tells a bleak story with severe decreases in enrolments and commencements. The first four months of 2024 saw commencements down by 26% versus 2023, the last 8 months saw commencements down by 44%. In other words, the pace of these decreasing ELICOS numbers accelerated as the year progressed and government changes aimed at shrinking the international education sector added up.
Looking at the visa data available for the financial year to date (1 July 2024 to 28 Feb 2025) we see ELICOS Only visa grants and applications are at their lowest levels since 2005, the year these records began. Quite clearly, the government decision to implement the 125% student visa fee increase across the board and at the same time deliver record visa application refusal rates has cost the ELICOS sector 20 years of growth.
The full report covers the finer detail and reveals insights into likely future trends and pain points. It also reveals a number of areas that should be of great concern to policy makers and the HE and VET sectors.
The full report can be accessed by clicking on the button below. Please note that the full report is only available to English Australia members.
Members, please remember to log into the website to view the report.
View the full report HERE
