Population aged between 18 and 25

IBISWorld forecasts the population aged between 18 and 25 to rise by 6.3% during 2023-24, to reach 2,912,734 people. This rise is due to an increase in net migration, particularly in the number of foreign students. The rise follows several years of disrupted flows of foreign students because of international border restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19. As international students numbers have quickly rebounded, growth in this population segment has followed.

The long-term growth of the population aged between 18 and 25 has been supported by lower child mortality rates. Child mortality has declined significantly over the past 25 years, leading to a greater number of people surviving long enough to enter this population segment. Despite this, the Australian population aged between 18 and 25 has declined over the past five years. Over the period, this age demographic has been limited by subdued birth rates between 1997-98 and 2004-05. This trend has led to a decline in the number of people entering this demographic.

Migration levels also affect the size of this age demographic. Strong growth in migration levels can have a positive effect on the size of this age demographic, as many migrants are young people entering the country for education or job opportunities. Despite a temporary disruption during the pandemic, net migration has remained an important driver of this population segment over the past five years. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts the population aged between 18 and 25 to fall at a compound annual rate of 1.2% over the five years through 2023-24.