ACT targets 30% more students from Southeast Asia by 2030
The ACT Government wants to increase international student numbers from Southeast Asia by 30 per cent. This means adding about 400 students by 2030.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated the goal as Australia debates migration policy and housing affordability. More than 1,350 students from ASEAN countries study in Canberra.
They add almost $100 million each year to the local economy. The ACT wants to attract more from Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
It is especially interested in artificial intelligence, cyber security, engineering and health. International education is Canberra's biggest export industry.
It was worth $1.37 billion in 2025. The Federal Government set new international student numbers at 295,000 for 2027.
This matches 2026. The ACT says it will work to get a larger share of that national allocation for its universities.
- 1,350 in Canberra
- Current ASEAN students
- Almost 100 million dollars
- Annual economic contribution
- 1.37 billion dollars in 2025
- International education industry value
Why it mattersInternational students bring revenue and support local businesses. They also fill skills gaps. But housing and education places are limited by federal caps.
AustraliaThis affects Canberra's rental market and job creation, while competing with other Australian cities for international students under a federal ceiling.
