Australia to Slam Door on International Students? New Visa Caps Spark Controversy
written by Sidra BatoolCANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Australia announced plans Friday to cap the number of international students allowed to enroll at the nation’s universities and colleges, citing concerns over housing affordability and potential misuse of student visas.
The move comes as Australia has seen a record surge in international students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers exceeding pre-pandemic levels. While a boon for the education sector, the influx has worsened housing shortages and shot up rents, particularly in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
“The overseas student boom is putting immense strain on our housing markets,” said Education Minister Jason Clare. “These caps are a circuit breaker to help take the pressure off.”
Under the new policy, the government will set enrollment limits for individual universities and vocational colleges. Institutions that exceed those caps will be required to invest in building more on-campus accommodation for their international students.
The government also plans to tighten regulations around education providers to prevent the exploitation of student visas as a pathway for permanent residency. There are concerns some international students are enrolling with the primary aim of gaining immigration status rather than pursuing a full course of study.
Australian universities have pushed back, arguing the caps could damage the nation’s reputation as a destination for international students and higher education powerhouse. They warn of potential losses in billions of dollars in tuition fees paid by foreign students each year.
“This is an overcorrection that risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” said Vicki Thomson, chief executive of the Group of Eight universities. “A more tailored approach that doesn’t undermine one of Australia’s biggest export industries is needed.”
The proposed caps follow similar measures enacted by other major destinations for international students like Canada and the United Kingdom in recent years.
Student housing has become a hot-button issue across Australia as the nation’s rental crisis deepens. The caps could provide some short-term reprieve, but critics argue more substantial investments in affordable housing are ultimately required.
The Australian government plans to introduce legislation to parliament in the coming weeks to enact the changes ahead of the 2024 academic year.
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