Int. students have played an important role in sustaining the economy over the past year : Explainer 15 Mar

Analysis by economists at NAB ((National Australia Bank)) suggest 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.

QLD Government's promotional image for international students Source: Getty / Getty Images