This paper presents on a comprehensive tourism study of international students and their visiting friends and relatives (VFRs). Whilst education is their primary reason for studying in Australia, international students may also be motivated by the various travel activities that they undertake prior to, during and on completion of their studies. The role that tourism and travel plays in the international student experience, and the tourism significance of the associated VFR market, is however little understood. The research included focus groups and a survey of over 5,500 international students studying in Australia at higher education, VET and English language institutions. The findings provide a comprehensive picture of the tourism opportunities associated with the international student market in Australia and their VFRs. It profiles travel behaviours and reports on international student expenditures and the mix of study, work and travel while in Australia.