By Ezekiel David
Australia has announced a cap on new international student enrolments for 2025, aiming to curb the record migration contributing to rising rental costs.
The cap is set at 270,000, with 145,000 allocated to universities and 95,000 for vocational courses. This follows measures to end pandemic-era concessions for foreign students and workers.
Education Minister Jason Clare highlighted the significant increase in international student numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels: “There’s about 10% more international students in our universities today than before the pandemic, and about 50% more in our private vocational and training providers.”
Universities Australia expressed concern, stating the move would “apply a handbrake” to the sector. Chair Professor David Lloyd acknowledged the government’s authority over migration but urged against detrimental impacts on the economically vital education sector.
In the last fiscal year, the Australian economy benefited from *A$36.4 billion in contributions from overseas schooling. But popular anxiety over the pressure rising migration is putting on the property market has made it a major election topic. In the year ending September 30, 2023, net migration hit a record 548,800, driven primarily by students from the Philippines, China, and India.
In response, the government recently increased visa fees for foreign students and tightened regulations to limit extended stays.
(Source: Reuters)
__________________________
*(N1,077.31 Naira = 1 Australian Dollar)