When we talk about international education, too often the focus is on numbers—application volumes, enrolment targets, and economic value. But behind every data point is a student making difficult, deeply personal choices. The latest report powered by The Social Source reveals what students across SEA are actually saying, in their own voices, about studying in Australia and across the region.
From June to August, student sentiment leaned negative, with Sadness (45%) leading the way - driven by visa delays, rising rents, and job search struggles. Anger (20%) surfaced around inconsistent policy and long processing queues, while Fear (10%) captured anxieties about employability and community acceptance.
Joy exists too - clustered around visa approvals, scholarships, and successful enrolments - but the balance remains tilted toward systemic worries
“I’ve been thinking about getting an MBA in Australia but my family does not have ₱3M show money.” – Student, Philippines.
(Level of interaction within these discussions, including responses, participation and overall activity).
Students across Southeast Asia continue to view Australia as a compelling destination—valued for its practical teaching approach, globally recognised qualifications, and pathways to post-study employment. Yet, the decision-making process is often shaped as much by barriers as by aspirations:
Costs: Rising tuition fees and living expenses place financial pressure at the centre of decision-making. Students actively seek scholarships and calculate how much part-time work is needed to sustain their studies.
Visas: Requirements such as proof-of-funds and lengthy processing times remain a source of uncertainty, with some students forced to delay or alter their plans.
Employability: While Australia is seen as offering career opportunities, students are acutely aware of the uneven availability of internships and graduate hiring, which shapes perceptions of long-term value.
Belonging: The social experience is equally important. Students stress that integration takes deliberate effort, and some report challenges in building meaningful local connections.
The Philippines: Strong enthusiasm for Australia, though high tuition remains a major concern. The availability and transparency of scholarships directly influence decision-making.
Vietnam: Demand is robust, but employability and complex visa documentation requirements are persistent barriers. Families often weigh the risks against the potential for career advancement.
Indonesia: Australia is in direct competition with the UK. Students emphasise that residency pathways are often the decisive factor in shaping their final choice.
Thailand: Costs are viewed as disproportionately high compared to local education. Many students plan around part-time work as an essential means of support.
Malaysia: Cost is the primary driver, with scholarships often determining not just the choice of institution but whether international study is possible at all.
Singapore: With strong domestic higher education options, students engage in direct comparisons with Australian universities, weighing both academic reputation and perceived return on investment.
Australia is only one part of the decision-making landscape. Students across Southeast Asia also weigh study options in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, each viewed through a distinct lens of cost, accessibility, and opportunity. The Philippines emerges with the most active discussions, centred on value-for-money, English-language education, and safety, while Singapore’s global reputation positions it as a premium benchmark.
Malaysia consistently attracts attention, particularly around hubs like Monash University Malaysia, where affordability and proximity are key advantages. Thailand and Vietnam, meanwhile, are often framed as cost-effective alternatives within the region. Together, these comparisons highlight that Australia is competing within a dynamic regional ecosystem, where affordability, career pathways, and reputation can tip the balance of student choice.
“I’m planning to study in Malaysia for my degree, but my long-term goal is to land a job in Singapore.” – Student, Malaysia
The voices of Southeast Asian students point to a clear but sobering reality: demand for international education is strong, yet fragile. Every visa delay, housing shortage, or uncertainty around employability is factored into their decision calculus.
For institutions, governments, and enterprises, this means that listening to students in real time is no longer optional—it is strategic.
Beyond enrolment numbers, students consistently return to the fundamentals: affordability, employability, belonging, and certainty. These are the pillars on which destination competitiveness is judged.
Through The Social Source, these conversations are captured as they happen—providing partners with the intelligence needed to navigate volatility, anticipate risks, and plan with confidence.
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Curious what’s influencing Southeast Asian students’ choices for studying in Australia?Download your free report on Southeast Asia’s student demand for Australian education. |