Ikon Institute’s Total Enrolments Jump 118% Year-on-Year in Trimester 2
EDU Holdings reports a remarkable 118% increase in total student enrolments at its Ikon Institute for Trimester 2, 2025, driven by strong demand and new course offerings amid a shifting regulatory landscape.
- Total student enrolments at Ikon Institute up 118% year-on-year
- New student enrolments rise 33% compared to previous corresponding period
- New postgraduate courses launched to broaden market appeal
- Increased competition noted in core program areas
- Regulatory changes introduce two-speed visa processing affecting international students
Strong Growth in Student Numbers
EDU Holdings Limited has announced a significant surge in student enrolments at its higher education arm, the Ikon Institute, for Trimester 2, 2025. Total enrolments reached a record 3,725 students, marking a 118% increase compared to the same period last year. This robust growth underscores sustained demand for Ikon’s education programs, which are closely aligned with Australia's evolving skills needs.
The increase is attributed not only to strong new student intakes but also to the cumulative effect of previous enrolments combined with a relatively low graduation rate, given the typical 2-4 year duration of Ikon’s courses.
New Enrolments and Market Dynamics
New student enrolments for the trimester rose by 33% year-on-year to 711, although this figure represents a 20% decline from the previous trimester’s 889 new students. EDU’s board highlighted intensifying competition in Ikon’s core program areas, with both established institutions expanding their offerings and new entrants targeting similar student demographics.
In response, Ikon has diversified its course portfolio, notably introducing its first postgraduate program this year, aiming to capture a broader segment of the tertiary education market.
Regulatory Environment and Visa Processing
Regulatory developments continue to shape the international student landscape. The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024, which proposed enrolment caps, was not enacted as initially planned. However, a new Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) has implemented a two-tier system for processing offshore student visa applications, prioritizing applications up to 80% of a provider’s cap.
EDU notes that most of Ikon’s new international students are recruited onshore, mitigating some potential impacts of these visa processing changes. Domestic student enrolments remain unaffected by these regulatory adjustments.
Looking Ahead
EDU plans to continue transparent reporting of enrolment figures for both Ikon Institute and its vocational education business, Australian Learning Group, throughout 2025. Upcoming enrolment data releases will provide further insight into how EDU navigates competitive pressures and regulatory shifts in the education sector.
Bottom Line?
As EDU capitalizes on strong enrolment momentum, the evolving competitive and regulatory landscape will test its growth trajectory in the coming trimesters.
Questions in the middle?
- How will EDU’s new postgraduate offerings impact long-term enrolment growth?
- What effects will increased competition have on Ikon’s market share and pricing power?
- To what extent will the two-speed visa processing system influence future international student recruitment?