Australian study: A more rational choice for Chinese students

For Chinese students planning to study in Australia, the central question is shifting. The focus is no longer whether it is possible to go abroad, but whether it is worth doing so.

As the global study-abroad market undergoes a period of deep adjustment, Australia remains one of the key destinations for Chinese students. A mild climate and steadily improving positions in international university rankings continue to underpin its appeal among traditional English-speaking countries. At the same time, however, decision-making is becoming markedly more rational. Tuition fees, program length, employment outcomes, and migration prospects are increasingly replacing emotion and inertia as the core considerations.

In terms of scale, Chinese students still constitute one of the largest international student groups in Australia. According to data from Australia's Department of Education, between January and October 2025 there were about 833,000 international students in Australia, of whom roughly 192,000 were from China, accounting for 23 percent of the total. While this figure remains below the 2019 peak, overall demand has shown resilience. Structurally, Chinese students continue to be heavily concentrated in higher education, with coursework-based master’s programs proving the most stable segment, while growth at the undergraduate level has slowed.

Several education consultancies note that inquiries about studying in Australia have eased from the post-pandemic high, but there has been no substantive contraction.

Unlike the previous wave of "follow-the-crowd" choices, today's applicants place greater emphasis on fit. Some view Australia as a relatively stable alternative to the UK and the US, while others approach the decision with clearer plans centered on rankings, employment prospects, or migration pathways.

Cost has become the most critical variable. For the 2026 academic year, many Australian universities have raised tuition fees for international students, with increases notably higher than in past years.

At the University of Sydney, for example, annual tuition for both undergraduate and master's programs has generally risen to the range of AUD 54,000 to 60,000. Combined with master’s programs that typically last one and a half years, rising living expenses, and additional costs such as visa fees and health insurance, the overall budget for studying in Australia has increased significantly.

Against this backdrop, student objectives are becoming more differentiated. One group prioritizes the value of the degree and global rankings, with a weaker preference for any specific country. Another group targets disciplines linked to skilled migration—such as nursing, education, and social work—assessing pathways and returns well in advance. Industry observers broadly agree that the clearer the goal, the more decisive the choice.

Overall, studying in Australia is entering a phase of "de-emotionalization." It is no longer the default or optimal solution for everyone. Yet for students with clear plans, manageable budgets, and well-defined goals, it continues to offer tangible appeal. As one industry insider puts it, Australia today is better suited to those who "think it through before setting off."