International students embrace the NT as CDU calls for a tailored visa approach

Charles Darwin University (CDU) says new international student sentiment results reinforce the Northern Territory's strength as a welcoming study destination, as the University calls for international student visa settings to better recognise the needs of the NT.

The 2025 International Student Sentiment Survey shows international students studying in the NT reported an average sentiment towards Australia of 8.0 out of 10, compared with 7.5 nationally.

More than 70 per cent of NT respondents said their feelings about Australia had improved over the previous 12 months, compared with 54 per cent across Australia.

The results also point to the strengths of the NT student experience. Almost 60 per cent of NT respondents reported improved perceptions of the quality of education.

Importantly for the Territory, almost 60 per cent reported improved perceptions of graduate career opportunities, substantially higher than the national result of 37 per cent.

CDU Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson said the results demonstrated the NT held strong appeal for international students, but national visa settings needed to better recognise the Territory's unique circumstances.

“International students are welcome in the Northern Territory. They are an important part of our University, our community, our workforce and the future of the Territory,” Professor Coulson said.

“These results tell us that students who are here value their experience. They feel positive, they recognise the quality of the education they receive and they see opportunities to build their careers here.

Professor Coulson said that in the NT, net interstate migration remains negative, meaning the Territory continues to lose more people to other parts of Australia than it gains.  

“At the same time, we need population growth and skilled workers in areas including health, education, engineering, information technology, construction and community services," she said.

Over the past year, changes to Australia’s student visa settings have contributed to a significant reduction in the number of international students being granted visas.  

"We are concerned that national settings have unintended and disproportionate consequences for smaller jurisdictions such as the NT. The University is pleased to be working with the Northern Territory and Australian governments to highlight these impacts and explore how national policy settings can better recognise the Territory's unique population, workforce and economic needs," Professor Coulson said.