Australia is gearing up for its federal election on 3 May 2025, with a close contest expected between the ruling Labor party and the opposition Coalition. The issue of international student policy has taken center stage in the campaign, particularly with the opposition proposing significant changes to the current system.
The Coalition’s plan, outlined in a recent news release, aims to reduce the number of international students in higher education and vocational training to address housing market pressures. This includes imposing caps on new student commencements at public universities and increasing student visa fees substantially.
Under the proposed plan, the Coalition intends to reduce the number of new international students at public universities by 30,000 annually and implement caps on foreign student commencements. The reduction is expected to impact mainly metropolitan universities, with a potential cap of 25% on foreign enrolment.
In addition to enrollment caps, the Coalition plans to raise student visa application charges, with fees set to increase to AUD$5,000 for Group of Eight universities and AUD$2,500 for other international students. A new charge of AUD$2,500 is also proposed for students seeking to change education providers while in Australia.
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The proposed changes have sparked concerns within the education sector, with industry experts warning of potential negative impacts on the economy and job market. Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia, emphasized the significant role international education plays in driving economic growth and cautioned against drastic reductions in student numbers.
Andrew Norton from Monash University raised doubts about the feasibility of implementing the proposed caps, highlighting potential legislative hurdles and political challenges. The complexity of regulating international student numbers and visa fees underscores the contentious nature of the issue.
The Coalition’s plan to raise student visa fees has drawn criticism from industry leaders, who argue that Australia already has among the highest visa charges globally. The proposed fee hikes could deter international students and undermine the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for education.
Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive of the Group of Eight universities, expressed concerns over the targeted fee increases, emphasizing the potential negative repercussions for the education sector and broader economy. The impact of the proposed changes on job losses and economic activity is a key point of contention.
English Australia CEO Ian Aird highlighted the potential job losses and economic fallout that could result from the proposed fee hikes, noting the significant contribution of international education to Australia’s workforce and economy. The implications of reduced international student numbers extend beyond the education sector.
The debate over international student policy reflects broader concerns about immigration, economic growth, and housing affordability in Australia. The outcomes of the upcoming election could have far-reaching consequences for the education sector and the country’s global competitiveness.
As stakeholders continue to engage in discussions and debates surrounding the proposed changes, the future of international student policy in Australia remains uncertain. The election outcome will determine the direction of the country’s education sector and its relationship with the international student community.
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