Despite recent violence, Australian universities make up the top three choices for prospective Indian students, according to research agency TNS’ International Student Research.
The ‘IS Research’ study, which investigates prospective inbound students and the health of Australia’s international education export, found that while safety concerns exist, three in four (73%) Indians considering studying overseas rate Australia as an attractive place to study.
Director with TNS Social Research, Cheryl Reed, said: "The mix of credibility and proximity that Australian universities offers Asia makes our institutions the most attractive out of any for Indian students."
Six Australian universities ranked in the top 10, including Australian National University, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne, which made up the three top spots.
|
1.
|
Australian National University
|
6.9%
|
|
11.
|
The University of Auckland
|
1.5%
|
|
2.
|
University Of Sydney
|
5.2%
|
|
12.
|
QUT
|
1.4%
|
|
3.
|
University Of Melbourne
|
5.0%
|
|
13.
|
King's College London
|
1.4%
|
|
4.
|
University Of Oxford
|
4.7%
|
|
14.
|
University of California
|
1.4%
|
|
5.
|
University Of Queensland
|
2.7%
|
|
15.
|
University of Adelaide
|
1.3%
|
|
6.
|
NUS (Singapore)
|
2.7%
|
|
16.
|
University of Toronto
|
1.3%
|
|
7.
|
University Of British Columbia
|
2.4%
|
|
17.
|
New York University
|
1.3%
|
|
8.
|
University Of Cambridge
|
2.3%
|
|
18.
|
UCL (London)
|
1.1%
|
|
9.
|
Monash University
|
1.7%
|
|
19.
|
Macquarie University
|
1.0%
|
|
10.
|
University Of New South Wales
|
1.6%
|
|
20.
|
University of Technology, Sydney
|
1.0%
|
At which one of these universities are you most likely to choose to study?
In terms of country of preference for study choice, Australia ranks third with 16% electing it as their first preference, behind the UK, with 24%, and the US, with 19%.
According to Reed, however, country of preference does not always dictate university of preference.
“There are many factors that enter into the consideration set, including reputation, cost, safety and proximity – Australia continues to have the right mix for India.
“Safety issues or racism were mentioned as a concern by one-quarter of the prospective students we spoke to, but recent events have not tarnished the overall perception of Australia.
“When general perceptions of Australia were tested, 39% identified it as a nation welcoming of international students.
“Other positives were reputation for education, climate and quality of universities.”
|
Welcomes international students
|
39%
|
|
Has the best climate
|
28%
|
|
Has an excellent reputation for education
|
28%
|
|
Has the best universities
|
26%
|
|
Qualifications are well recognised abroad
|
26%
|
|
It would be easy to get work here while studying
|
25%
|
|
Has good student housing
|
24%
|
|
Has the best lifestyle
|
24%
|
|
Has easy visa/immigration requirements
|
23%
|
|
Offers excellent English language courses
|
23%
|
Which of these countries do you think best matches each statement?
Prospective Indian students most likely to study at an Australian university, place Engineering, Education, Bachelor and Masters degrees at the top of their consideration sets.
|
Engineering
|
(26%)
|
Masters
|
(34%)
|
|
Education
|
(26%)
|
Bachelor
|
(37%)
|
|
IT
|
(15%)
|
Post/ Grad Cert
|
(15%)
|
|
Economics
|
(12%)
|
Post/ Grad Dip
|
(7%)
|
|
Arts/ humanities/soc. sciences
|
(6%)
|
Diploma
|
(3%)
|
|
Mathematics
|
(6%)
|
Certificate
|
(2%)
|
About TNS
As a global custom research agency with over 40 years in the Australian market, TNS delivers customised research and consultancy with deep understanding of local markets. The company is divided into specialist teams, focusing on consumer, technology, finance and business, social research (government and NGOS), and travel and leisure industry sectors. TNS is the largest custom research agency globally and in Australia, and a WPP group company.
Media enquiries: Contact Chris Byrne (02) 9563 4232 or chris.byrne@tns-global.com
Conducted with 1,688 Indian residents in January 2010.
