September 2011     Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, has released new figures showing strong growth in higher education student numbers – with some of the greatest gains made by students from regional Australia.

The new figures show that, in 2010, a total of 67,130 students from regional and remote areas commenced a university course, an increase of 10.1 per cent from 2009.  Total commencements for all domestic students in 2010 was 487 917 – an increase of 3.7 per cent.

Senator Evans said: “Regional students are also taking full advantage of the Government’s reforms to Youth Allowance which has resulted in more students qualifying for assistance, and more students qualifying for the maximum rate."

Total higher education student numbers (including international students) reached over 1.9 million in 2010, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2009.

Commencements in National Priority Areas of nursing, teaching and clinical psychology rose by 9.2 per cent, 8.9 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively between 2009 and 2010, and there was a 5.1 per cent increase in new students studying courses that lead to registration as a veterinary practitioner.

Indigenous student enrolments increased 6.0 per cent in 2010 to 11 088. Increases in Indigenous student numbers were also recorded across most broad fields of education, with the largest increase in Information Technology (up 24.3 per cent) and Natural and Physical Sciences (up 19.6 per cent).

“Next year is a landmark year for Australian higher education,” said Senator Evans.  “Public universities will decide how many places they will offer qualified students and in which disciplines, based on student demand and the needs of employers.  This important reform will supply the skills our economy will need in the years to come and allow more young people to have the opportunities afforded by a higher education.”

An additional 100 000 Australian students are now attending university this year – with total Commonwealth-supported student places up by more than 22% since 2007.

Commonwealth expenditure on higher education – through both funding for teaching and learning and for research – is projected to increase to $13 billion in 2012, up from $8 billion in 2007.

More statistical information on higher education in Australia is available at: HES Statistics

From information provided by the Minister for Tertiary Education, September 2, 2011.

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