Hundreds of new international students have commenced studies across the NT in 2026, strengthening the Territory's international education sector.More than 5,500 international students from over 60 countries studied in the NT in 2025, supporting cultural, social and economic growth.Eight students received Study NT Scholarships to support their first year or semester of study in the Territory.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has identified 2026 as a year of growth, certainty and security, with international education continuing to contribute to efforts to rebuild the economy and strengthen the Territory's global connections.
Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill, along with Study NT, welcomed students from more than 60 countries at the annual International Student Welcome Reception at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, bringing together students, education and training providers, local businesses and community groups to mark the start of the 2026 academic year.
"International students make a significant contribution to our community and our economy, and I am delighted to welcome the newest cohort of students who have made the choice to live and study in the Territory in 2026" Ms Cahill said.
In 2025, more than 5,500 international students were enrolled with Northern Territory education and training providers.
"International students bolster our workforce, support community organisations through volunteering, share their culture and add to the vibrancy of Territory life" said Ms Cahill.
Eight students were also recognised at the event, each receiving a Study NT Scholarship. The scholarship supports students during their first year or semester of tuition, helping them pursue their education goals and easing the financial pressures of studying away from home.
One of this year's scholarship recipients, Airi Morita, said the Territory's values and focus on community were key factors in her decision to study here.
"Leaving Hawai'i was not an easy decision; however, I have come to realise that Darwin and the Northern Territory share many of the qualities that first shaped my desire to pursue medicine. The strong sense of community, cultural diversity, and commitment to caring for remote and underserved populations feel both familiar and deeply meaningful to me."
Ms Cahill said "I look forward to seeing the contributions this year's cohort will make to the Territory and I wish them all the best in their academic and personal pursuits."
2026 Study NT Scholarship Recipients
Airi Morita (America) - Doctor of Medicine, Flinders UniversityChengyu Yang (China) - Doctor of Pharmacy, Charles Darwin UniversityJunjie He (China) - Master of Nursing Practice, Charles Darwin UniversityMuhammad Usama (Pakistan) - Master of Information & Communications Technology, Canterbury Institute of ManagementPanitraa Esvaran (Malaysia) - Master of Speech Pathology, Charles Darwin UniversitySk Mahedi Hasan Akash (Bangladesh) - Master of Social Work, Charles Darwin UniversityThi Thoi Dang (Vietnam) - Master of Public Health / Master of Health Research, Charles Darwin UniversityZhiyi Wu (China) - Master of Occupational Therapy, Charles Darwin University
Robyn Cahill, Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, with 2026 Study NT Scholar Recipients.
