Band 8+: The graph below shows the number of international students enrolled in universities in Australia, Canada, and the UK between 2000 and 2020. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line chart compares international student numbers in Australia, Canada and the UK between 2005 and 2020.

Overall, all three destinations attracted more students over time, with the most rapid growth in Australia and the most consistent increase in Canada.

In 2005, the UK hosted the largest cohort at 80,000, ahead of Australia (50,000) and Canada (30,000). While the UK fell slightly to 75,000 in 2010, both Australia and Canada rose to 70,000 and 45,000 respectively. Growth then accelerated across the board. By 2015, totals had reached 85,000 in Australia and 60,000 in Canada, with the UK regaining the lead at 95,000.

The final period saw the steepest expansion in Australia, whose figure more than doubled from its starting point to 120,000 by 2020. The UK also climbed to 110,000, whereas Canada tripled its intake to 90,000. Notably, the gap between Australia and the UK narrowed from 30,000 in 2005 to 10,000 by 2020, and Canada closed much of the distance to the other two.