The table and pie charts illustrate the number and proportion of research students in Australian universities in 2001 and 2010, divided into local and international categories.
Overall, it is clear that the total number of research students increased significantly over the period, with the most dramatic growth seen among international students. Local students continued to represent the majority, although their proportion decreased slightly by 2010.
In 2001, there were 33,657 local research students and only 5,192 international students, making up a total of 38,849. By 2010, the number of local research students had grown modestly to 39,488, while the figure for international students almost tripled to 14,593. Consequently, the total number of research students rose sharply to 54,081.
In terms of proportions, local students accounted for the vast majority in both years. However, the share of international students increased noticeably, reflecting their growing participation in Australian higher education research.