EDU Holdings Sees Continued Growth in Student Enrolments across Higher Education and Vocational Sectors

Tertiary education group EDU Holdings (ASX: EDU) has reported continued growth in new and total student enrolments across its higher education and vocational education and training (VET) businesses during Term 2 of this year.

New enrolments of 963 students represented a 12% change on 859 enrolments recorded in the previous corresponding period and total 2,126 new enrolments for the year to date (up 8% from 1,967).

Total student enrolments of 7,036 for the period jumped 32% compared to 5,321 enrolments for the previous corresponding period and sit at 13,663 students for the year to date (up 34% from 10,208).

Domestic new student enrolments increased 98% on the same time last year, driven by the recent introduction of new postgraduate programs and increased sales and marketing activity.

Domestic students represented 22% of Term 2 intake, up from 14% and demonstrating continued progress in diversifying EDU’s student cohort.

International Student Demand

Higher education services provided through Ikon Institute of Australia accounted for 83% of enrolments (up from 70% in the previous corresponding period), reflecting the group’s continued strategic shift towards higher education.

Ikon enrolments reached 5,847 students (up 57% from 3,725 in the previous corresponding period) on the back of resilient international student demand, strong growth in domestic student enrolments and continued momentum in postgraduate programs.

International new student enrolments grew 12% on the previous corresponding period, despite regulatory changes affecting the onshore transfer market.

Postgraduate new student enrolments were up 174% on the previous corresponding period and represented 45% of the Term 2 intake (up 20%), reflecting demand by domestic and international students and validating the company’s course portfolio expansion strategy.

“While it remains too early to assess the impact of these changes, we [are] encouraged by the early uptake of a newly implemented onshore recruitment model designed to support the government’s objective of increased integrity and transparency in relation to onshore student transfers,” EDU said.

Reduced VET Activity

Activity across VET business Australian Learning Group (ALG) softened in line with broader market conditions, with total enrolments dropping from 1,596 in the previous corresponding period to 1,189 as smaller commencing cohorts progressively replaced larger graduating cohorts.

“Notwithstanding its reduced relative contribution, VET remains strategically valuable to the group, supporting student diversity and providing progression pathways into higher education programs,” the company said.

“A meaningful proportion of ALG students progress into Ikon’s higher education courses, enhancing student lifetime value and partially offsetting softer VET market conditions.”

EDU said it would continue to closely monitor the evolving student recruitment landscape.

“The board is pleased with the progress made in diversifying EDU’s business and remains confident in its long-term positioning as a quality education provider operating in high-growth sectors aligned to Australia’s skills priorities,” it said.

“The company continues to invest in domestic, offshore, and onshore recruitment channels, alongside ongoing course portfolio expansion initiatives.”