International students may be the bedrock of our economy - but for how long?

Analysis by economists at NAB (National Australia Bank) suggests spending by international students, contributed to more than half of the nation's 1.5 per cent GDP growth last year. The 0.8 per cent boost helped Australia's economy avoid two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth - steering it away from a technical recession. But with student visa approvals falling, that contribution is expected to ease.

A recent analysis suggests spending by international students contributed to more than half of the nation's 1.5 per cent GDP growth last year. Source: Getty / SolStock/Getty Images