CANBERRA’S international education industry has reclaimed its top spot as a billion-dollar export industry for the ACT.

According to the latest ABS International Trade in Services data, international education is now worth $1.1 billion, up 85 per cent on 2021-22 and up five per cent on the pre-pandemic high of 2018-19.

The sector represents more than 53 per cent of the ACT’s total services industry exports.

International students make up almost half of the 40,000 strong student population.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt says: “As Australia’s knowledge capital, Canberra is a place that attracts students from all over the world. And for good reason – it is a city of ideas, and world-class teaching and research.

“We are fortunate to be a destination of choice for students from all over the world. International students make a profound difference in our classrooms, our campuses and our communities.

“Education is truly a global language that improves lives, our future prospects and our world; it’s great to see it taking centre stage here in the ACT.”

Prof Lucy Johnston agrees.

“The University of Canberra is pleased to see the strength of the international education industry in the ACT, reclaiming its spot as the top export in the capital,” the acting vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra says.

“UC deeply values international students as they bring valuable global perspectives and contribute to the multicultural spirit that is central to the University of Canberra and the city.”