International students face challenges beyond academics, as highlighted by Amy’s experience in 2025. Amy, a student service officer, found herself in a precarious situation when the vocational education provider she worked for went into liquidation. While her Australian colleagues could claim back wages and entitlements through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee, Amy, as an international student, was left without similar recourse.
The federal government’s policies aimed at restricting international student numbers have had far-reaching impacts on the education sector. Independent education providers, offering English learning and vocational courses to international students, have felt the brunt of these changes. The increased fees for visa applications and delays in visa processing have led to a decline in student enrollments, affecting both the institutions and the workforce they employ.
Felix Pirie, the CEO of Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia, emphasized the significant downturn in student applications for skills training courses and English language programs due to the policy changes. The repercussions are felt not only by the providers but also by the employees, many of whom are international students themselves.
For international students caught in the turmoil of their education provider’s closure, the government’s Tuition Protection Service offers a lifeline. This service helps students navigate alternative course options and secure refunds from the provider. However, the broader issue of migrant worker rights remains unresolved.
Matt Kunkel, the CEO of Migrant Workers Centre in Victoria, advocates for extending the Fair Entitlements Guarantee to all migrant workers, including international students. He underscores the need for a more inclusive visa system that recognizes the dual roles many international students play as both learners and workers in Australia.
The call to expand the Fair Entitlements Guarantee echoes recommendations from the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce report released in 2019. Despite the findings of the report, the scheme has yet to be broadened to encompass all migrant workers. The Albanese Labor government’s recent announcement of consultations on FEG reforms signals a potential shift towards greater protection for vulnerable workers.
Seri Feldman-Gubbay, a senior solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre, highlights the disparity in legal protections between local workers and international students. She points out that many businesses may exploit the lack of legal knowledge among international students, leaving them in precarious situations when companies face financial difficulties.
Amidst these challenges, Amy’s story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by international students in the Australian workforce. Her hope for change resonates with the broader need for a more comprehensive safety net that safeguards the rights and well-being of all workers, regardless of their immigration status.
📰 Related Articles
- US Faces Risk of Losing International Students Amid Policy Uncertainty
- Record Number of International Students Boost Australian Universities’ Revenue
- International Students Find Sanctuary in Australian Education Amid Challenges
- UWA Accommodation Guide: Options for International Students Explained
- US Visa Interview Freeze Creates Uncertainty for International Students