US replaces Australia as international students' favourite destination. Here’s why

Australia’s position as a leading study destination has been challenged by high living costs, tuition fees, and visa policy uncertainties, leading to a decline in its university rankings and a two per cent drop in international student preferences.

Australia is no longer international students' favourite destination Source: Getty / amnarj2006/iStockphoto

Key Points

• Australia is no longer the preferred study destination for international students, according to research by the international student organisation, IDP.
• Changes in visa policies, particularly the Albanese government’s tightening of student visas to regulate the job market, have impacted students’ decisions.
• International education was worth 50 billion dollars to Australia’s economy last year, and in terms of exports, is only fourth behind iron ore, coal and natural gas.