The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms a further 53,640 students arrived in March, 25,460 more than in the same month last year.

Provisional estimates indicate a further 43,600 students arrived in April.

“Our universities are continuing to welcome back international students who come for a world-class education,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“These students are assets to our nation. They bring new knowledge, skills and perspectives, making Australia and our region stronger, smarter and better connected.

“International students also make a significant economic contribution, helping pay for the essential services Australians need and enjoy.

“They added almost $41 billion to the economy and supported more than 250,000 jobs pre-COVID.

“While the March figures remain down on pre-pandemic levels, we are steadily working back to those incredibly strong numbers we saw in 2018 and 2019, and we are better off for that.”