Not what anyone expected: Australian international education and COVID-19
Dr Steve Nerlich1
1Australian Government Department Of Education, Skills And Employment, Canberra, Australia
The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on Australian international education has demonstrated the remarkable resilience of the sector and its students in pursuing learning outcomes in the face of adversity. This session will offer an unfolding view of how the pandemic influenced student choices, where a relatively small number chose to defer their studies while the remainder chose to continue, whether they were stuck in or outside Australia. In 2021, we have seen student numbers decline substantially, though only to the numbers equivalent to the number hosted in Australia in 2017. With limited travel possible in or outside Australia it is relatively easy to forecast numbers anticipated in the near-future and hence scope the early stages of the sector’s recovery. These findings will be demonstrated using public data sources available from the Australian Government. Delegates may find the data useful to better prepare for emerging student needs and issues.
Biography:
Dr Steve Nerlich is the Director of the International Research and Analysis Unit in the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.