International students flock back to SE Qld, boosting economy

The return of thousands of overseas students is “extremely significant” for South East Queensland’s economy, injecting billions of dollars into the national economy, says Brisbane Airport’s chief.

Queensland’s international student sector is off to a flying restart – literally.

After bleak times through Covid-19, international student numbers are again approaching pre-pandemic levels, with more than 100,000 visas issued for foreigners wishing to study in the Sunshine State this year.

It’s a sector that was worth almost $6bn a year to the state’s economy before Covid, according to data from Study Queensland, and the hordes also helped to fill thousands of hospitality and seasonal work positions across the state.

There are fears the influx will place a further strain on the South East’s stressed rental market, but many students stay in dormitory-style accommodation on or near university campuses.

With the university year resuming this month, international arrivals are flooding into Queensland with hundreds of students landing at Brisbane Airport this week alone.

Sheng Yu, Zhang Yitong and Yang Xinyi arrive at Brisbane Airport ahead of the start of the university year this month. Picture: Richard Walker

Queensland Tourism and International Education Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was an important milestone for Queensland’s $5.8bn international education and training export industry.

The stream of overseas students arriving in Queensland this month follows the launch of Study Queensland’s $20.6m road map for building international education back better.

“We’re already tapping into growing enrolment potential in countries like Vietnam, Columbia and Brazil to fast-track new student arrivals to Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Study Queensland’s road map identifies the runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as an enormous opportunity to grow Queensland’s education export share.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. Picture: David Clark

Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the return of overseas students was “extremely significant” for South East Queensland’s economy.

“Visiting students inject billions of dollars into the Australian economy,” he said.

“They’re also sought after by local businesses who are eager for staff.”

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Dozens of new arrivals headed for the University of Queensland jetted into Brisbane on Monday, eager to enjoy their time in the Sunshine State.

More than two-thirds of the state’s international students study in Brisbane, but the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba also have significant numbers.

Serena Xiong and Clare Chen are just two of the thousands of international students returning to Queensland this year. Picture: Richard Walker