The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (Acicis) recorded 817 student placements in 2025, marking the highest annual total in the organization’s 31-year history. According to the 2025 Annual Report, this 22 per cent increase over 2024 figures signals a recovery from pandemic-era disruptions, even as the nature of student mobility shifts toward shorter, professionally focused programs.
Shifting Trends in Student Mobility
While Acicis has achieved record-breaking participation, the composition of these placements reflects a broader change in how Australian students engage with international study. The report indicates that growth is currently driven by short-term experiences, with professional practicum enrolments rising 89 per cent to 212 students, and tours and intensive programs growing 42 per cent to 200 participants. Customised university programs remain the fastest-growing segment, accounting for 357 students.
This trend is supported by institutional shifts, as 43 per cent of all 2025 enrolments originated from Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG). Despite this success, traditional semester-long programs have not kept pace. With only 48 students enrolled in semester programs in 2025, participation remains 44 per cent lower than 2019 levels, mirroring a national struggle to rebuild long-term exchanges.
Did You Know?
Since its establishment in 1994, Acicis has facilitated study for more than 5,000 Australian university students, positioning the organization as a key actor in building Australia’s regional knowledge.
Strategic Importance and Funding
The record 2025 figures were partly bolstered by an effort to utilize New Colombo Plan funding before Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade project deadlines expired. Since 2014, Acicis has secured over $23 million through the New Colombo Plan, supporting more than 4,600 students across various disciplines. According to the report, Indonesia is currently the sixth most popular study abroad destination for Australians globally and the second most popular in the Indo-Pacific region behind Japan.
The federal government recently released a parliamentary report, Security and Prosperity in Asia: Building Australia’s Asia Capability, which emphasizes the need to rebuild regional understanding. Acicis’s ability to sustain these growth rates beyond 2025 may depend on future funding certainty, as the organization seeks to balance its record participation with the ongoing decline in semester-length mobility.
Expert Insight:
The data suggests that while the volume of outbound mobility is recovering, the sector is moving away from the “standard” semester model toward specialized, shorter-term programs. This evolution aligns with the practical constraints of modern students but creates a new challenge for universities aiming to foster deep, long-term regional expertise.
Long-term Impact and Organizational Legacy
Beyond enrolment figures, the report highlights the long-term academic contributions of program alumni. An alumni tracer study found that former participants produced 152 publications related to Indonesia and Southeast Asia during 2025, demonstrating an impact on research and bilateral policy. The organization is also preparing to release Experiencing Indonesia: 30 Years of Acicis next month to document its historical engagement.
The 2025 report also noted the loss of long-serving accountant Jason Parish, who passed away in April 2026. Parish had been with the organization for nearly a decade and was noted by colleagues for his professional commitment to the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students did Acicis place in Indonesia in 2025?
The organization delivered a record 817 student placements, a 22 per cent increase from 2024.
What is the primary driver of growth for Acicis programs?
Growth is largely driven by short-term, professionally focused experiences, including custom university programs and professional practicums, rather than traditional semester-long exchanges.
Why is Indonesia considered a strategic priority for student mobility?
Indonesia is the second most popular Indo-Pacific destination for Australian undergraduates, accounting for 12.7 per cent of all mobility under the New Colombo Plan, which the government identifies as a critical component in rebuilding Australia’s Asia capability.
How might the shift toward short-term study programs affect the development of deep regional expertise in the long term?
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