The data and pie charts illustrate the number and gender distribution of research students from Australian universities in 2001 and 2010, divided into local and international categories.
Overall, the total number of research students increased significantly over the decade, rising from 38,849 in 2001 to 54,081 in 2010. While the total number of students from both local and international backgrounds grew, the proportion of local students declined, whereas international students made up a larger share by 2010.
In 2001, the percentage of international male students was higher than that of international females. However, by 2010, international female students surpassed their male counterparts. Among local students, males consistently outnumbered females in both years.
The proportion of local students decreased from 87% in 2001 to 73% in 2010. In contrast, the share of international students rose from 13% to 27% during the same period. Notably, international female students experienced substantial growth in their numbers, overtaking international male students by 2010.