The Australian government has introduced a legal mechanism to limit the number of international students, a move expected to impact Indian students significantly. Australia, a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education, is pursuing this measure after a parliamentary bill to cap student numbers at 270,000 by 2025 was rejected.
Indian students constitute the second-largest group of international enrollees in Australia. Over 100,000 Indian students were enrolled in Australian institutions in 2022, growing to 122,000 by September 2023. However, a notable decline in enrolments has been observed in 2023-24, with numbers dropping from 96,490 in March 2024 to 87,600 by June.
Under the new workaround, Australian immigration officials will prioritize student visa applications until government-mandated thresholds are reached. These thresholds, amounting to 80% of the proposed cap, will slow down visa processing for subsequent applicants once met, according to ABC News.
Rising Migration Spurs Action
Australia’s decision comes amidst record net immigration levels, which reached 548,800 as of September 2023. This surge has placed immense pressure on housing and infrastructure, prompting public concern and governmental action.
The education sector, one of Australia’s largest export industries, generated AUD 36.4 billion (USD 24.7 billion) in revenue during 2022-23. While foreign students have bolstered the labor force and mitigated wage pressures, the government seeks to balance these benefits with domestic challenges like housing shortages.
Additional Measures Targeting International Students
Apart from visa restrictions, the Australian government has increased international student visa fees from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, effective July 2024. Additionally, the minimum savings requirement for a student visa has risen from AUD 24,505 to AUD 29,710. Temporary visa holders, including those on graduate or visitor visas, can no longer apply for student visas while in Australia.
These measures reflect Australia’s attempt to restore migration levels to pre-pandemic norms while addressing mounting domestic concerns.
