- Australia has announced a cap on the number of new international students it will accept, with the total limited to 270,000 for 2025. This decision is part of the government’s plan to bring migration levels back to what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Each higher education provider, including universities and vocational training institutions, will be given a specific limit on how many new international students they can enrol. Vocational education providers will face the largest cuts. The aim is to improve the overall quality of education and prevent the exploitation of students, which has been a growing concern.
- Australia currently has over 717,000 international students, and the education sector has recovered well after being heavily impacted by the pandemic. During COVID-19, many students were sent home due to strict border controls, but enrolments have since surged. The number of international students in universities is now 10% higher than before the pandemic, while enrolments in vocational training have jumped by 50%.
- The government is introducing this cap to address several issues, including unethical practices by some education providers. These providers have been accused of accepting students without the necessary language skills and offering poor-quality education. Some students were also enrolling with the intention of working instead of studying. The government has already tightened English-language requirements and is increasing scrutiny on second study visa applications.
- Education Minister Jason Clare says these changes are necessary to protect the integrity of Australia’s education system and ensure its long-term sustainability. He also mentioned that the cap would help ease pressure on housing and infrastructure, which have been strained by record migration levels.
- Despite the government’s reasoning, many in the education sector have strongly opposed the move. International education is a key part of Australia’s economy, contributing AU$36.4 billion in 2022-23. Some universities fear that the cap could result in significant financial losses. Economic modelling suggests the restrictions could cost the Australian economy $4.1 billion and result in the loss of around 22,000 jobs in 2025.
- Vicki Thomson, CEO of a group representing top universities, has called the policy “draconian” and “economic vandalism.” She argues that the education sector is being unfairly blamed for the country’s housing and migration challenges. However, the government insists that these measures are necessary to ensure the quality and sustainability of international education in Australia, even if it means that some institutions will have to make tough financial adjustments.
- In addition to the enrolment cap, the government is encouraging universities to build more student housing to help address accommodation shortages for international students. While some universities may face challenges, the government maintains that the reforms will set the sector up for long-term success and ensure international students receive a better educational experience in Australia.
