A joint study by English Australia and BONARD, supported by Study NSW, reveals a significant strategic shift in New South Wales’ education sector. Over 77% of education providers in the state prioritize diversifying their international student population.
An impressive 77% of education providers in New South Wales have reached a consensus, recognizing that diversification of the student base is a critical imperative, not merely a preference. This overwhelming majority underscores the sector’s commitment to ensuring resilience and fostering growth for the future.
This puts New South Wales at the forefront of transforming its educational landscape, with a strong emphasis on diversifying its international student population. This strategic shift is underscored by a significant finding from a comprehensive study conducted by English Australia and BONARD, supported by the Study NSW Partner Projects grant program.
Amid the challenges brought by the pandemic, the NSW education sector has recognized the need to diversify its international student population. This strategic move is aimed at building resilience and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector. The top five source countries previously accounted for 59% of all international enrollments in New South Wales pre-pandemic, highlighting a concentration risk that the sector now seeks to mitigate.
The study has identified Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and Chile as priority countries for this diversification effort. These countries were selected following a comprehensive performance benchmark of NSW within the context of Australia and its closest competitors. The research process included consultations with stakeholders across various education sectors, alongside responses from international students.
One of the key findings of the report is the varying factors influencing international students’ choice of study destination. Employability and career opportunities were noted as universal priorities, but the importance of other factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, accommodation availability, and the reputation of education providers varied across the four target countries.
In response to these insights, education providers in New South Wales are looking beyond just diversifying their student base. There is also a keen interest in expanding the course portfolio and exploring alternative delivery models, including hybrid, EdTech, and online courses. This approach is seen as essential to achieving a more balanced distribution of international students across different study programs.
The study’s outcomes are not just academic. They provide practical advice and actionable insights for education providers in New South Wales, helping them to future-proof their institutions against similar unforeseen global events. As the sector recovers and grows post-pandemic, these diversification strategies are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring its stability and sustainability.
This shift towards diversification in the NSW international education sector is a significant development, signaling a proactive approach to global education challenges and opportunities. It reflects a broader trend in the sector, where adaptability and resilience are becoming key drivers of success.
Read the full report by clicking here.
