Australia to limit international students, Indians to be hit hard

Australia has announced a significant cap on international student enrolments for 2025, limiting new commencements to 270,000 -- a move that is expected to disproportionately affect Indian students. With Indians making up a substantial portion of Australia's international student population, the cap is poised to impact their educational prospects and migration plans the most.

Education Minister Jason Clare revealed that this includes about 145,000 places at publicly funded universities and 95,000 at vocational training institutions. Private universities and non-university higher education providers will be able to enrol 30,000 new international students.

The aim is to return the number of new international students to pre-pandemic levels.

Indian students, who are a significant part of the international student population in Australia, will be particularly affected.

According to government data, a significant number of Indian students—100,009 in 2022—were enroled in Australian institutions.

Additionally, 1.22 lakh Indian students were studying in Australia in the January-September 2023 period.

Australia saw a record number of migrants in 2023, and the inflow was driven by students from India, China and the Philippines.

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday shows net immigration surged 60% to a record 548,800 in the year to September 2023.

This is significantly higher than the previous figure of 518,000 people in the year June 2023.

CAP ON INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AIMS TO RETURN PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL

Clare emphasised that the cap aims to return enrolment numbers to pre-pandemic levels and ensure a "more sustainable footing" for the sector.

"There’s about 10 percent more international students in our universities today than before the pandemic, and about 50 percent more in our private vocational and training providers," he said.

This cap comes in response to increased migration pressures on Australia's housing market.

Universities have expressed concerns, arguing that the cap could negatively impact revenue.

education contributed $24.7 billion to the Australian economy in the 2022-2023 financial year, making it the fourth largest export after iron ore, gas and coal.

Earlier, the Australian government had announced more than double visa fees for international students, increasing them from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068) starting July 1. This move is aimed to curb the current migration pressures.

The government has also raised the minimum savings requirement for student visas from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576) to qualify for a student visa. This is the second hike in the amount in the last seven months.

The proof of savings requirement has seen a hike of $3,430 from AUD24,505 ($16,146) to AUD29,710 ($19,576).

The Albanese government also plans to scrap Ministerial Direction 107, which prioritised student visa applications. The new cap and higher fees reflect ongoing efforts to manage migration and maintain sector integrity.