The table and pie charts illustrate the number and composition of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010. Overall, the total number rose markedly, driven by a sharp increase in international students, while the share of locals declined.
In 2001, there were 38,849 research students, including 33,657 locals and 5,192 internationals. By 2010, the total had climbed to 54,081, with local students at 39,488 and international students at 14,593.
The pie charts show that locals dominated in both years, but their proportion fell from 87% to 73%. Correspondingly, the international share more than doubled from 13% to 27%.
In terms of gender, local males and females accounted for 44% and 43% in 2001, dropping to 38% and 35% in 2010. Meanwhile, nonlocal males increased from 9% to 12%, and females from 4% to 15%, indicating stronger growth among international women than men. Overall, internationalisation intensified considerably over the period. This trend suggests growing global appeal and capacity overall.