As one of our largest exports, higher education is an industry that has a major impact on the national economy. Recent events have threatened its health, tarnishing our reputation abroad, particularly in India, one of the largest contributors to our international student numbers. Our recent (January 2010) International Student Research study found that Indians considering studying abroad are more likely to cite concerns over safety when rejecting Australia than any other major source country for higher education. But while the recent attacks have instilled trepidation amongst prospective Indian students, consideration for Australia remains high, the impetus to study abroad remains strong, and our top institutions dominate the list of preferred universities.

As a close neighbour to India, interest in studying in Australia remains strong with 73% of prospective Indian students rating it as an attractive destination for higher education. In terms of country of preference for study choice, Australia ranks third with 16% electing it as their first preference, behind the UK (24%), and the US (19%). One-third of prospective overseas students from India are considering Australia as a destination. But, interestingly, country of preference does not always dictate university of preference. When electing their university of choice, Indian students ranked Australian universities, Australian National University, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne, as the top three globally. In total, six Australian universities ranked in the top 10.

Q: At which one of these universities are you most likely to choose to study?


1. Australian National University
6.9%


2. University Of Sydney
5.2%


3. University Of Melbourne
5.0%


4. University Of Oxford
4.7%


5. University Of Queensland
2.7%


6. NUS (Singapore) 
2.7%


7. University Of British Columbia
2.4%


8. University Of Cambridge
2.3%


9. Monash University
1.7%


10. University Of New South Wales
1.6%

When choosing where to study, many factors enter into the consideration set, including reputation, cost, safety and proximity. Australia has the right mix of these factors for students from Asia. With regard to Indian students, the two strongest factors which came through were our proximity and our credibility. Our institutions have a good reputation for quality education, and qualifications gained in Australia are perceived as well recognised abroad. We may not have quite as good a reputation as the US or the UK, but we have the edge over destinations that are further afield due to the comfort being close to home offers.

Despite all these positives, the security issue is of concern. In India, the saliency of safety when studying abroad has risen dramatically as a result of recent events, particularly the attacks on students in Victoria. Our research found that one-quarter of Indian students rated safety and issues relating to racism as a concern for studying in Australia. Indians considering studying abroad are more likely to cite concerns over safety when rejecting Australia, than any other major source country for higher education. The recent attacks, some which have involved Indian students, have damaged the reputation of the safety of Australia. However, relative to other nations, we are still perceived as one of the safer destinations to study abroad. Generally, we are considered a safe nation; when perceptions of Australia were tested, 39% of prospective Indian students identified it as a nation welcoming of international students. At the moment, safety concerns are top of mind for Indians, but largely overshadowed by the good reputation we enjoy for education, place to study and the quality of our universities. Within India there is high prestige attached to studying abroad and Australia remains a close, affordable option for now.

Fast facts

• Issues around safety or racism are a concern for 24% of prospective Indian students
• 28% of prospective Indian students identified Australia as having an excellent reputation for education
• 26% of prospective Indian students associated Australia with ‘has the best universities’ and ‘qualifications are well recognised abroad’
• 24% of prospective Indian students believe Australia has good student housing and the best lifestyle
• Prospective Indian students most likely to study at an Australian university, place Engineering, Education, Bachelor and Masters degrees at the top of their consideration sets.

Click here to view the press release – Industry research release – Australian unis take out top three spots for Indian students_8 March 2010.

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