International Students: What Did 2024 Bring to the Sector and Where Are We Going?

With international education contributing $47.8 billion to Australia’s economy in FY 23–24, understanding these changes is crucial for strategic planning.

Queensland emerged as a national leader in 2024, capturing 33% of Australia’s international school student commencements, up from 31% in 2019. This growth occurred despite a paradoxical trend: while Education Queensland International (EQI) expanded aggressively, many CRICOS-registered non-state schools decreased their international Enrolments or deregistered entirely. Independent Schools Queensland data reveals 1,498 international students across 79 schools in 2024, representing 25% growth, with 85% attending independent schools.

The market share dynamics shifted dramatically between government and non-government sectors. Government educational institutions increased their market share from 64.27% in 2019 to 72.32% in 2024, while nongovernment educational institutions declined from 35.73% to 27.68%. This shift reflects divergent recovery strategies post-pandemic. Source market performance revealed unexpected patterns. China, traditionally the dominant market, has not returned to pre-pandemic commencement levels, validating the “China-plus” diversification model. Vietnam remains price-sensitive, with Sydney and Melbourne as major competitors. Queensland non-state schools increased Hong Kong Enrolments despite school closures there due to declining student populations. Japan emerged as Queensland’s strongest growth market, particularly in government schools.

Looking forward, several strategic considerations emerge.

• First, the reduction in CRICOS-registered educational institutions creates both less competition and potential market gaps.
• Second, education agent relationships are crucial— educational institutions that dramatically reduced international Enrolments risk permanent relationship damage.
• Third, for Queensland to remain as a strong destination for international students, high-quality schools in the State need to maintain international operations.

The critical question facing educational institutions is whether strong domestic demand justifies avoiding “riskier” international Enrolments. International education requires long-term strategic commitment, not opportunistic participation. Educational institutions must decide whether they are genuinely committed to this sector or merely responding to short-term market conditions.

As we move beyond 2024, successful international education programs will require strategic patience, diversified source markets, strong agent relationships, and a commitment to quality. Queensland’s Leadership position offers opportunities, but only for educational institutions willing to play the long game in an increasingly competitive global education market.

Originally submitted for Face-to-Face Magazine 2025 by:

David Ferguson
Director, International & Accommodation Operations
John Paul College QLD