Band 8+: The table and pie charts below show the number of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

The table and pie charts given illustration the number of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.

Looking at the illustration it is evident that, he total number of research students increased, with local students consistently forming the largest group and international students the smallest.

With the table, the total research student population grew from 38,849 in 2001 to 54,081 in 2010. Local student numbers rose from 33,657 to 39,488, while international student numbers saw a more significant jump from 5,192 to 14,593.

In 2001, local students constituted 87% of the research student body, with males slightly outnumbering females (44% vs 43%). International students made up 13%, with males also having a larger share (9% with 4%). By 2010, the proportion of local students decreased to 73%, while international students increased to 27%. Among local students, males still slightly outnumbered females (38% vs 35%). For international students, males accounted for 15% and females for 12% of the total.