Increasing number of Chinese students are using China's National College Entrance Examination, commonly known as the gaokao, to gain direct admission to Australian undergraduate programs, according to the 2026 Study in Australia Report released by EIC Education.
Drawing on official statistics, student service data, and more than two decades of industry experience, the report examines trends in Australian higher education, international student mobility, admissions practices, and employment outcomes. It highlights Australia's continued appeal as a study destination for students from more than 190 countries and regions, supported by a strong higher education sector, a multicultural environment, and favorable policy settings.
Direct undergraduate admission gains popularity
According to EIC Education's client service data, the proportion of mainland Chinese students entering Australian universities directly through the gaokao increased from 61.7 percent in 2023 to 73.7 percent in 2025, making it the primary route to undergraduate study.
Australian universities offer multiple admission pathways for international students. Seven of Australia's Group of Eight universities—every institution in the group except the University of Melbourne—accept gaokao scores for direct undergraduate entry. Students may also enroll through foundation programs or first-year diploma pathways that provide an alternative route into degree programs.
Some students choose to complete foundation studies in China before progressing overseas. Programs such as the UNSW College Foundation Studies program allow students to undertake preparatory coursework domestically before transferring to degree programs in Australia.
Business and computer science remain leading choices
Business-related fields continue to dominate undergraduate applications from Chinese students. The report found that broad business disciplines accounted for 19.57 percent of undergraduate applications between 2023 and 2025, reflecting the field's wide range of career opportunities and academic specializations, including finance, accounting, and management.
Computer science ranked second, representing 8.91 percent of applications. The popularity of the field is supported by the strong international reputation of Australian universities in computing and technology-related disciplines.
The report also noted that many Australian universities offer flexible degree structures that allow students to combine a major with one or two minors, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary study and broader skill development.
Tuition costs vary by institution and discipline
Tuition fees for international students differ significantly depending on the institution and field of study.
Based on 2026 exchange rates, annual undergraduate tuition at Group of Eight universities generally ranges from 200,000 to 290,000 CNY (approximately US$28,000–41,000 / AU$42,000–61,000). At non-Group of Eight institutions, annual tuition typically falls between 160,000 and 250,000 CNY (US$22,000–35,000 / AU$34,000–52,000).
Programs in business, engineering, and STEM fields tend to command higher tuition fees than humanities and social science programs. On average, Group of Eight universities charge approximately 60,000 to 70,000 CNY(about US$8,000–10,000 or AU$13,000–15,000) more per year than other Australian institutions.
Students increasingly explore new academic fields
The report found that more than 72 percent of Chinese students considering study in Australia are also exploring a change in academic discipline.
Among those seeking a different field of study, 85.7 percent cited improved employment prospects as the primary motivation. Other reasons included personal interests and a desire for programs perceived as less academically demanding.
Cross-disciplinary study is becoming increasingly common at the graduate level. Many Australian master's programs in business, humanities, and selected information technology fields accept applicants without a directly related undergraduate degree, giving students greater flexibility when changing career paths.
In a move that could further expand access for Chinese applicants, the Australian National University recently lowered the minimum average score requirement for graduates of non-"211" Chinese universities applying to most coursework master's programs from 85 to 80.
Chinese students remain Australia's largest international cohort
Australia has set its 2026 international student enrollment quota at 295,000, an increase of 25,000 places compared with 2025. Nearly 200,000 of those places are allocated to higher education institutions.
Mainland Chinese students remain the largest international student group in Australia. According to data from the Australian Department of Education, 195,535 mainland Chinese students were enrolled between January and December 2025, representing 23.1 percent of all international students in the country. The figure marked a 3.4 percent year-over-year increase.
Higher education students accounted for 74 percent of Chinese enrollments, with the sector recording a 6.3 percent increase compared with 2024.
The report also found that Australia is frequently considered alongside other English-speaking destinations. Among students applying to Australian institutions, 62.5 percent also submitted applications to the United Kingdom, while 14.8 percent applied to New Zealand.
Career planning and visa preparation remain important
The report attributes Australia's continued attractiveness to transparent admission requirements, relatively stable policies, and streamlined application processes. It also highlights the growing acceptance of IELTS One Skill Retake, which allows students to retake only the language component in which they did not achieve the required score.
Looking ahead, students are encouraged to consider fields facing strong workforce demand in Australia, including healthcare, education, engineering, and social work.
The report also advises applicants to prepare strong visa applications that clearly demonstrate genuine study intentions and well-defined career goals, particularly as Australian authorities maintain stricter assessments of international student visa applications.
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