The table and pie charts illustrate the number and proportion of local and international research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.
In 2001, there were 38,849 research students in total, with the majority (87%) being local students (33,657), while only 13% were international students (5,192). By 2010, the total number of research students had increased significantly to 54,081. The proportion of local research students fell to 73% (39,488), whereas the number of international research students grew sharply to 27% (14,593), reflecting a growing trend in international participation.
The pie charts provide further details about gender distribution. In 2001, local male students made up 44% of all research students, local females 43%, while non-local males and females accounted for only 6% and 4% respectively. By 2010, there was a notable increase in international students. Non-local males accounted for 15% and non-local females for 12%, while local males and local females decreased to 38% and 35%, respectively.