The line graphs compare the number of overseas and local students enrolled in Australian universities between 2001 and 2010, distinguishing between commencing students and the total number of students.
Overall, the total number of both overseas and local students increased significantly during the period, although the rate of growth was much higher for overseas students. While the total figure for local students plateaued after 2007, enrolments of international students showed a steady and consistent rise throughout the decade.
In 2001, there were around 20,000 overseas students in total, with about 10,000 commencing. Both figures increased continuously, with total enrolments reaching approximately 81,000 and new enrolments rising to just over 40,000 by 2010. The upward trend was particularly sharp between 2005 and 2009.
In contrast, local students began at a much higher level, with 400,000 in total and nearly 180,000 commencing in 2001. The total climbed sharply to 600,000 by 2007, after which it levelled off. Meanwhile, the number of commencing local students fluctuated throughout the period, peaking at just over 220,000 in 2002 before falling slightly and stabilising around 200,000.