Australia is set to limit the intake of new international students, aiming to reduce overall migration to pre-pandemic levels. This measure will cap new enrolments at 270,000 for 2025. The country, known for its large international student population, will impose individual restrictions on higher education institutions, with the most significant cuts expected in vocational education and training sectors.
This decision has sparked strong opposition from the tertiary education sector, with some universities labeling the move as harmful to the economy. However, the Australian government insists that this change will enhance the quality and sustainability of the education system.
Currently, Australia hosts approximately 717,500 international students, according to data from early 2024. Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged that the pandemic severely impacted the higher education sector when strict border controls forced many international students to leave. Despite this, the number of international students in universities is now 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels, while enrolments in private vocational and training institutions have surged by 50%.
Minister Clare also highlighted concerns about exploitation within the sector, with some providers engaging in unethical practices, such as accepting students who lack the necessary language skills or offering subpar education and training. In some cases, students have been enrolled primarily to work rather than study. The reforms, according to Clare, are aimed at creating a more fair and sustainable system for the future.
The cap on international student enrolments is also intended to alleviate Australia's record-high migration levels, which have contributed to housing and infrastructure strains. The government has already implemented stricter English-language requirements for international students and is scrutinizing those applying for a second study visa. Additionally, hundreds of non-compliant education providers have faced penalties.
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