PRESS RELEASE: Crossroads V

The latest findings from IDP Connect’s Crossroads research shows high numbers of fully vaccinated students, willingness to quarantine, and a real desire to commence studies on-campus. However, there is a declining confidence in Australia as students’ preferred destination.

New research by IDP Connect shows students are willing to do all they can to study on-campus in the destination of their choice, and vaccination is playing a significant role in student flows.

More than half (53 per cent) of students surveyed were already fully vaccinated, and a further 36 per cent report they intend to get their vaccines as soon as they can. Three-quarters (77 per cent) of students stated the availability of vaccines to international students on arrival made travelling to their destination more attractive. Vaccine hesitancy amongst students has declined markedly since the previous survey in April 2021, with fewer than one in 10 respondents (9 per cent) stating that they need more information before getting the jab.

In further indications that students are willing to do all they can to arrive safely on to campus, 88 per cent are willing to quarantine on arrival, with almost one third (31 per cent) willing to pay the full cost of quarantine and a further 44 per cent a portion of the cost. In terms of where and how students quarantine on arrival, 29 per cent preferred a government hotel and 40 per cent preferred university-run accommodation, whilst the balance of respondents had no preference.

The latest instalment of IDP Connect’s International Student Crossroads research shows Australia has again slipped in attractiveness as a study destination.  Australia is now ranked fourth in terms of how the welfare of international students is perceived, behind the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada and only marginally in front of the United States.

Students’ perceptions of Australia have declined across all the key metrics in the survey, including Response to Coronavirus, Safety of Citizens and Visitors, Policies for International Students and Post-study Work Visa Policies.

Additionally, the lack of clarity as to when students will be able to arrive on campus in Australia means that only 66 per cent of students intending to study in Australia expect to commence their studies as planned, against a global average of 79 per cent.

James Cauchy, Regional Director for Australasia at IDP, said the findings reiterate the international education’s sector need for the Government to outline a clear plan on when international students may return to our shores.

“The high rates of vaccinated students willing to quarantine, and in many instances, to take on the full costs of doing so, coupled with the declining perceptions of Australia’s handling of the pandemic and welfare of international students, strongly suggests an urgent need to rethink our policies and to find safe ways of welcoming students back into our country.

“There is a gaping whole in our community with the absence of bright, globally-minded international students arriving in our country.

“We welcome all initiatives by the government to send clear signals to international students offshore that we are looking forward to having them back in our schools, universities and broader communities,” Mr Cauchy said.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Isabella Carson, Porter Novelli, icarson@porternovelli.com.au, +61 488 639 619 

Jonah Duffin, IDP Connect, crossroads@idp-connect.com 

IDP Connect is the strategic partner of choice for institutions seeking access to engaged student communities. As part of IDP Education, the world leader in student recruitment, IDP Connect uses its global expertise, data-driven insights and trusted human connections to match universities, schools and colleges with the right students from around the world.

Powered by the world’s most expansive omnichannel platform, we bring institutions to life, from academic offerings to campus experiences and beyond. Through our unmatched physical office network, websites, apps, and virtual counselling solutions, students from all corners of the world form our connected community, along with our expert team of trusted education advisors, and our partner institutions.

IDP Connect’s IQ services offer a helicopter view of the global higher education landscape, using the world’s largest combined data set of student demand. From initial online search, through to application, offer and enrolments, we are able to track global student demand through the full funnel and in real-time, helping institutions to address the key challenges faced by higher education.