International Students' Spending in Australia, 2004

On behalf of Australian Education International (AEI), the University of Queensland Social Research Centre (UQSRC) undertook a survey of the spending patterns of international students in Australia. The aim was to survey students in four key educational sectors (higher education, vocational education, secondary school and English language intensive courses for overseas students) so as to develop a comprehensive understanding of their expenditure on goods and services whilst in Australia. Primarily, key variables measured patterns of expenditure for housing and household goods, utilities, phone costs, health, groceries, transport and automobile costs, entertainment and recreation, clothing, travel, children's expenses and educational expenses. The educational sector of each respondent was also captured, along with course length. Background variables included country of origin, age, gender. Length of time in Australia and intention to migrate were also measured.