Limit on International Student Enrollment | Australia Study Visa News

In a recent call to address the growing concerns within Australia's higher education sector, RMIT’s vice-chancellor has proposed that international students should not exceed one-third of any university cohort. This proposal follows similar sentiments expressed by the vice-chancellor of Deakin University, who suggested a cap on international students as an alternative to the federal government's draft framework allowing different enrolment limits based on universities or courses.

The vice-chancellor argued that capping international student numbers would help mitigate financial and operational challenges within universities. He emphasized that having up to 50% of students as internationals is “damaging to the sector.” While acknowledging that a cap is “regrettable,” he stressed the need for a more managed and predictable system compared to the current “unmanaged” visa processing system.

The proposal comes amidst a backdrop of significant changes and challenges in the sector. Last year’s migration crackdown led to visa delays and cancellations, with universities being assessed via risk ratings. For instance, international students constitute 47% of the student body at the University of Sydney and over 35% at several prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) institutions, including the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Queensland. In contrast, international students make up 24% of RMIT’s onshore cohort.

Critics of the cap argue that it is a simplistic solution to a complex problem. The vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney highlighted that the most research-intensive universities attract more international students partly to subsidize research funding gaps identified by the Australian Universities Accord.

Visa processing changes announced by the federal government last year have disproportionately affected small to medium-sized universities, which enroll a higher number of students deemed “high risk” by the government. Approval rates for student visas have dropped to record lows, with significant declines in approval rates for students from countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Adding to the challenges, the government recently doubled the cost of the international student visa application fee to $1,600. This move, criticized by the International Education Association of Australia, was seen as further straining the sector.

The Go8 institutions, with high enrolments from China (considered a lower-risk country), have not been as affected by the migration reforms. However, the chief executive of the Go8 warned that capping international students to pre-COVID-19 levels could result in a significant financial impact and job losses, affecting the broader economy, skilled workforce, and Australia’s international reputation.

The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between maintaining educational quality, managing financial stability, and navigating complex immigration policies. The proposed cap on international student numbers seeks to address these multifaceted challenges while ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for Australia’s higher education sector.