The number of international students enrolled in vocational education and training courses in Australia has overtaken those tackling university studies.

Enrolment data released yesterday by the federal Department of Education showed the number of overseas students studying in Australia during October 2009 had risen by nearly one quarter to 610,443, from 516,267 in October 2008.

Of the year-to-date total, 225,619 were undertaking VET courses (mainly in the area of business, commerce, food, hospitality and other services), compared with 200,909 studying for degrees or higher qualifications. The majority of the remainder – 123,754 – were doing intensive English language courses.

The October data marks a three-month trend of international VET students outnumbering their counterparts at universities and raises renewed concerns about the VET system being manipulated by some to gain Australian residency

http://www.news.com.au/courier...26440688-953,00.html