This is an increase of 19,200 compared to the same time last year, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Provisional estimates indicate a further 51,390 students arrived in June.

“Australia continues to benefit culturally, socially and economically from the arrival of new and returning students,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“Our campuses, classrooms and communities are better for the valuable contributions international students from over 144 countries make when they choose to study in Australia.

“The increase in student arrivals is another encouraging indication of Australia’s international education sector, worth $40 billion to the economy in 2019, recovering from COVID-19.

“Australia’s international education system is one of the best in the world. We must continue to build on its recovery – returning to the position of strength we held before the pandemic.”