At Explore English, we all enjoy Italian pasta, Spanish Paella and English Fish & Chips… well, maybe not this last one. But what is sure is that Europe, also known as the Old Continent, is one of the most, if not the most, diverse and culturally rich continents in the world.
In some cases you can step from one country to another in less than one hour and find a completely different culture with its own language and traditions. Here at Explore we promote diversity and multiculturalism, and we want Europe to be part of it. This is why since June 2016 Explore English has sent one of its agents on a very special mission: to show everyone that we are the funkiest boutique-style school in Australia.
Although the European market for ELICOS in Australia is smaller than the Chinese or the Indian one, it is expanding now as Europe recovers from the economic crisis. According to recent reports:
- Total numbers of enrolments from Europe increased from 25,107 to 26,081 in 2014. This represents an increase of +4% (+974).
- The largest increase in the number of enrolments for an individual nationality was Italy (+1,030), followed by Germany (+491) and Spain (+101). Four of the top ten European source countries recorded declines in enrolments in 2014, with the Russian Federation (-350) and Switzerland (-244) being the largest.
- Italy now contributes 25% (up from 22% in 2013) of all European enrolments and is the most important source country for Europe. France overtook Switzerland in 2014 and is now the second most important source country at 13%. Swiss enrolments continued to decline accounting for 13% share (down from 14% in 2013).
- In 2014 New South Wales share of enrolments from Europe declined further from 49% to 46%. Queensland share increased slightly from 24% to 25%, with Victoria increasing from 12% to 15%. Western Australia decreased from 14% to 13%, while South Australia remained stable at 1%.
- Student visas are growing in importance in the European market. In 2012, Student Visas overtook the Visitor Visa as the most frequent visa type, and in 2014 Student Visas accounted for 43% of the market (up from 41%). Visitor Visas have stabilised at 31% as have Working Holiday visas at 22% with other visas decreasing slightly to 5% (from 6% in 2013). The decline from Switzerland and the growth from Italy and Spain have driven these changes.
- The total number of weeks enrolled has increased from 247,975 to 258,325 in 2014 (an increase of 4%). The average course length for European students was the same as 2013 at 9.9 weeks.
- Total estimated spending of European students was $225.3 million compared with $214.7 million in 2013. This is an overall increase of 5% from 2013.
International student numbers in Australia are growing and the “land down under” is already the third most popular international education provider after the U.S. and the U.K. Australia offers a strong and reliable legislation, a very appealing lifestyle, quality schools, and the possibility of working while being on a student visa.
If you are in Europe and you are thinking about coming to study in Australia, do not hesitate to contact our European Representative Alejandro Izquierdo at alejandro.izquierdo@exploreenglish.edu.au or at +34 676 47 46 12. He will be more than happy to help you with anything you need and, as he was a student in Melbourne, will be able to give you the best first hand advice.