The table and pie chart given compare the number of research students at Australian universities, comparing the proportions of domestic and international research students, as well as local male, local female, non-local male,and non-local female students in the years 2001 and 2010.
Looking at the illustration, it is immediately evident that there is been a general increase in the total number of research students in Australian university from 2001 to 2010. We can also see an increase in the total number of both males and females in 2010.
In 2001, the total number of students was 38,849, comprising 33,657 local research students and 5,192 international students. By 2010, the total number of students had risen sharply to 54,081, representing an increase of approximately 15,232 students since 2001. The chart reveals that local students consistently made up the largest portion of the student body in most years, whereas international students represented a smaller share. Local males constituted the highest percentage among all groups. In 2001, local males dominated the figures, accounting for nearly half (about 50%) of all research students at Australian universities, compared to 43% for local females. Non-local males were third with 9%, followed by non-local females at 4%. After nine years, although there were some fluctuations, the proportion of domestic students slightly decreased to 73%. The percentage of local females decreased by 8%, while the percentage of local males declined by 6%. In 2010, there was a slight increase in the international student ratio, with non-local females rising by 11% and non-local males by 3%.