International Student Caps: A Threat to Australia’s Education Sector

The introduction of caps on international student numbers could lead to the closure of education providers and significant job losses. Recent policy changes are already negatively impacting Australia's international education sector and its global reputation.

A Radical Policy Reversal

Over the past year, the Albanese government has implemented policies that have made it more challenging and expensive for students to obtain visas. These changes are part of an effort to reduce Australia's population and address issues related to genuine students and English language proficiency.

Concerns Over Rushed Legislation

The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 appears to have been rushed, leading to significant issues with defining and administering enrolment caps. These caps are not only difficult to manage but also pose a threat to the quality and integrity of the education system.

Impact on Vocational and Higher Education

The consequences of these policy changes affect both vocational and higher education. The vocational education sector is already struggling with weak offshore demand, and the recent doubling of visa application fees has exacerbated the situation. For higher education, while current data shows high applications and enrolments, the full impact of enrolment caps on new students starting in 2025 remains uncertain.

Planning Challenges

Education providers face difficulties in planning for the future due to ongoing migration restrictions and enrolment cap uncertainties. Unlike the temporary border closures during the pandemic, which the sector weathered relatively well, the current policy changes lack a clear end date, making long-term planning particularly challenging.

Addressing Known Issues

Some policy changes address known issues like student poverty and English language ability, but the use of visa risk rating classifications for prioritisation and the high visa application fees have been criticised. International students should be able to choose courses that align with their career goals, rather than being forced to meet Australia's specific skills needs.

A Call for Pause and Reflection

The current approach may cause unnecessary damage to the international education sector. A period of pause and reflection in policy-making is needed, with a reconsideration of plans to cap international student numbers. A more thoughtful approach could better support the future of international education in Australia.