The table and pie charts compare the number and proportion of local and international research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010.
looking at the illustration it is immediately evident that the total number of students grew substantially over the decade, with international students increasing at a faster rate. Additionally, their share of the total research student population rose significantly.
In 2001, local research students dominated at 33,657, vastly outnumbering international students (5,192), resulting in a total of 38,849. By 2010, local enrollments had risen to 39,488, while international numbers nearly tripled to 14,593. Consequently, the total surged to 54,081, reflecting a 39% increase over the period.
The pie charts illustrate the shifting proportions between the two groups. In 2001, local students comprised 87% of the total, leaving international students at just 13%. By 2010, the share of international students had more than doubled to 27%, while local students’ proportion dropped to 73%, despite their absolute growth. This highlights the expanding role of international recruitment in Australia’s research sector.