The higher education system in Australia is a major contributor to economic prosperity and social cohesion. Australia’s universities now have more than 1.3 million students and 120,000 staff across nearly 200 campuses.

In this new data snapshot series for HIGHER ED.ITION, we’ve pulled together some of the recent numbers that highlight the contributions that universities make.

Here’s a few insights that might surprise you.

Nearly two out of five young people in Australia now have a bachelor degree or higher.

 

 

Students from low SES backgrounds are more likely than ever to go to university.

To deliver excellence in teaching and research, our universities employ more than 50,000 world-class academic staff. 

 

The number of Australian students studying abroad as part of their degree is growing too – preparing them for global careers. 

Despite a wealth of choice, international students are also increasingly choosing Australia as their study destination. 

In fact, in 2016 we’ll host more than a half a million overseas students.

Just behind iron ore and coal, international education remains Australia’s third largest export – making an enormous contribution to our national economy…

… and to our state and regional economies. 

Through our strong international education offerings, Australian universities have developed our country’s economic and diplomatic ties with the world. 

For more on the many contributions of Australia’s universities, follow the links below:
– Australian Higher Education leads in attracting and retaining international students
– New data: almost nine out of ten university graduates in full-time employment
– International education generates a record $20.3 billion for Australia
– Australian universities’ formal agreements over time
– Australian universities: key facts and data
– Higher Education and Research: facts and figures