A migration crackdown that names international students as a target
Australia’s government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, faces pressure to reduce record migration numbers, aiming to ease housing pressure for residents and relieve the cost-of-living crisis ahead of next year’s federal election. International students have become a target of that effort.
University leaders warn that migration-linked changes could hurt international education. The Group of Eight, which represents Australia’s leading universities, has called the proposed law “harsh.” Other critics accuse the government of deliberately weakening the economy and treating international students as “cannon fodder in a poll-driven migration battle.”
What universities and students say is at risk
Dr Brown warned that a cap could lead some universities to withdraw offers already made to foreign students, obstruct important research programs and potentially push up tuition fees for some Australian students.
Students are already reacting. Vedant Gadhavi, a Monash University student, said several friends in Gujarat, India, who had planned to pursue master’s degrees in Australia are now panicking about the policy changes. Jenny, a high school student from Anhui province in China, told the BBC she chose Australia because its high-quality education seemed “a little easier” than getting into a highly competitive Chinese university.
The former government official Abul Rizvi, who helped shape Australia’s skilled migration policy, said the underfunded education industry had “long chased tuition income from overseas students at the expense of academic integrity.” Rizvi argued that instead of a cap, the government should consider introducing minimum score standards for university entrance exams.
FAQ
What could a cap mean for offers already made to foreign students? Dr Brown warned that a cap could lead some universities to withdraw offers already issued to foreign students.
What alternative to a cap has been suggested? Abul Rizvi believes that instead of a cap, the Australian government should consider introducing minimum score standards for university entrance exams.
How have prospective students responded to the policy changes? Vedant Gadhavi, a Monash University student, said several friends in Gujarat, India, who had planned to pursue master’s degrees in Australia are now panicking about the policy changes.