The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey, released this month, provides data on employment and salaries for international students in 2023. The findings are based on feedback from over 28,000 international students who graduated within four to six months prior, categorized into three educational levels: undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and postgraduate research.
The survey revealed that 58.9% of Vietnamese undergraduate respondents secured full-time employment. This figure increased to 68.2% for postgraduate coursework students and 78.4% for those in postgraduate research.
| Education Level | Employment Rate for Vietnamese Graduates (%) | Average Annual Salary in 2023 (AU$) | ||
| Vietnamese Students | International Students | Domestic Students | ||
| Undergraduate | 58.9 | 65,000 | 65,000 | 71,000 |
| Postgraduate Coursework | 68.2 | 63,900 | 65,000 | 96,600 |
| Postgraduate Research | 78.4 | 90,000 | 92,000 | 100,000 |
Vietnamese undergraduates earned an average annual salary of AU$65,000, up AU$5,000 from the 2022 survey, matching the average salary for international students. Postgraduate coursework graduates reported an average income of AU$63,900 per year, a rise of AU$5,900, while those with postgraduate research degrees earned an average of AU$92,000, reflecting an increase of AU$3,900.
Overall, salaries for international students were lower than those of domestic graduates, who earned AU$71,000 – 100,000 annually after graduation.
The survey also highlighted a 4.5-10% increase in graduate salaries in 2023 compared to 2022. However, the rising cost of living and housing, with inflation reaching 5.6% in 2023, impacted students’ expenses.
According to Upmove, an Australian moving service platform, an individual requires approximately AU$51,600 annually to cover living costs, including rent, food, and transportation.
The international education organization IDP noted that cities such as Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Hobart, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Canberra are comparatively more affordable.
Australia continues to be a leading study destination alongside the U.S. and Canada. As of July, the number of international students in Australia approached 944,000, a 14% increase from the same period last year.
With over 44,000 students, Vietnam ranked fifth in student enrollment, according to the Australian Department of Education.
Annual tuition fees for international students in Australia range from AU$24,000-52,000, with medical programs exceeding AU$100,000.
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