Reducing the Number of International Students Could Harm Australia’s Reputation, Warns Education Group
According to tertiary representatives, international students play a crucial role in the Australian economy.
Pushing back against the Australian government’s decision to limit new international student admissions, the education sector is expressing concerns.
While the government claims this move will ensure strategic sector management over the long term and combat un-genuine agents, Australian university representatives argue it will lead to job losses, reduced funding, and harm research in the country.
Critics Believe International Students Are Crucial for the Economy
CEO of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), Phil Honeywood, emphasized that education providers need time to adapt to any new government policy framework.
In response to the latest measure, Mr. Honeywood expressed concern that it will negatively impact Australia’s reputation as a study destination.
According to the National Australia Bank, half of Australia’s GDP growth in 2023 was attributed to spending by international students.
As of February 2024, there were 703,245 international student enrolments, a significant increase compared to 2019.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia recommended that the government improve the migration system rather than targeting education providers, as they believe the cap will result in job losses.
While acknowledging the unsustainable growth in international student numbers, the sector warned that chronic underfunding has made public institutions reliant on student income.
Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson argued that the influx of international students has worsened housing affordability and strained infrastructure.
The report highlighted that international students make up only 4 percent of all renters in Australia.
It also noted that the majority of international students live in student accommodation close to universities, not in high-demand housing suitable for couples or families.
Executive director of the Student Accommodation Council, Torie Brown, stated that international students have been unfairly blamed for the rental crisis, as the root cause lies in long-term structural issues within the housing market.
The report identified various factors contributing to housing shortages in Australia.
Understanding the New Cap
As part of a broader overhaul, the new legislation will prevent education providers from owning education agent businesses and pause applications for registration from new international education providers.
Furthermore, it will prohibit agent commissions on student transfers between providers in Australia.
The government aims to eliminate incentives for ungenuine agents to recruit international students through these measures.
New education providers will be required to demonstrate a track record of quality education delivery to domestic students before recruiting international students, and providers under regulatory investigation will be prohibited from enrolling new international students.
The government plans to cancel dormant provider registrations to prevent their misuse by unethical actors.
Educational Minister Jason Clare emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and quality of the sector through these reforms.
Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor highlighted the government’s commitment to preventing exploitative practices in the international education sector.
(This report includes contributions from AAP)
