Douglas Olsen
International students have been allowed back into Australia since July 1, 2023, when international borders reopened and overseas students could once again travel to the country for their studies. This came after the disruptions of COVID-19, during which international students were allowed to remain in their home countries and study online. However, the Australian government has recently announced plans to limit new international student enrolments, with 145,000 places at public universities, 30,000 at private universities and non-university higher education providers, and 95,000 at vocational education and training institutions. These restrictions have been introduced to address record migration levels and manage the growth of the international education sector, which is worth billions to the Australian economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students allowed back in Australia | Yes, as of July 1, 2023, international students holding a student visa are allowed back in Australia for face-to-face learning. |
| COVID-19 impact | During the pandemic, international students were allowed to remain outside of Australia and study online. |
| Student visa requirements | International students must be in Australia by July 1, 2023, for on-campus study. There are possible implications for student visas for those who choose not to study onshore in Australia after June 30, 2023. |
| Post-study work rights | From mid-2024, the two-year extension of post-study work rights will no longer be available. |
| English-language requirements | The government has introduced tougher minimum English-language requirements for international students. |
| Student visa restrictions | The Australian government has announced a plan to limit new international student commencements to 270,000 in 2025. |
| Impact on higher education | International education is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, and universities have criticized the government's decision to limit international students as a "sledgehammer" to the sector. |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Australia: Visa requirements
International students are allowed back into Australia, with international borders reopening and overseas students once again able to travel to the country for their studies. However, there are specific visa requirements that international students must meet to study in Australia.
Firstly, international students must hold a valid visa to study in Australia. The Student (subclass 500) visa is the most popular option, allowing students to live, study and work in the country for up to five years, depending on the duration of their degree. To apply for this visa, students must have already been accepted to study full-time at a registered educational institution in Australia and meet other eligibility requirements.
One key requirement is the genuine student requirement, which confirms that the primary intention of the student is to study and that they intend to develop skills that Australia needs. Students must also meet health and character requirements, and demonstrate that they have adequate funds to support themselves during their stay. From May 2024, the required amount was set at AUD 29,710, although this is subject to change and may vary depending on personal circumstances.
In addition to financial requirements, international students must provide proof of their language competency by submitting results from an approved English language test. The required score will depend on the level of study and the specific requirements of the educational institution. Students must also obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from their educational institution and include this with their visa application.
It is important to note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, special arrangements were made to allow international students to remain outside of Australia and study online. However, these arrangements are no longer in place, and students holding a student visa are expected to be in Australia for face-to-face learning. International students should refer to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on student visa requirements.
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Returning to Australia: Travel restrictions
International students were allowed back into Australia in 2023, following the reopening of international borders. All international student visa holders were expected to return for on-campus study by 1 July 2023, signalling the end of the special arrangements made during the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed international students to study online from their home countries.
However, in 2024, the Australian government announced plans to limit the number of new international student enrolments, citing the need to manage the sector's growth sustainably and maintain the integrity of the country's education system. The cap on new international student commencements is set at 270,000 for the 2025 calendar year, with enrolments at public universities pared back to 145,000, private universities and non-university higher education providers allowed 30,000 new international students, and vocational education and training institutions limited to 95,000.
These measures have been met with criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about potential negative economic impacts and accusations of "economic vandalism". The government has defended its decision, denying that the cap will cripple the industry and emphasising its commitment to ensuring Australia remains a prestigious and high-quality education provider.
In addition to the cap on new international student enrolments, the Australian government has also tightened English language requirements for international students and increased scrutiny of those applying for a second study visa. The two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates with degrees in select skill shortage areas was also discontinued in mid-2024.
It is important to note that these measures specifically target new international student commencements, and the impact on student visa approvals remains uncertain. Returning international students who already hold a student visa may continue their studies in Australia, provided they comply with the relevant visa requirements and keep their educational institution informed of any changes to their circumstances.
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Impact of COVID-19 on international students
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international students studying in Australia. During the peak of the pandemic, international students were allowed to remain outside of Australia and study online. However, this arrangement posed financial risks to Australian universities due to their reliance on tuition fees from international students. It is estimated that Australian universities could lose up to $19 billion in revenue by 2023 due to the decrease in international student enrolments. The Australian government also recognised the impact of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of international students, who experienced worry about loved ones, social isolation, financial and employment insecurity, and challenges related to online learning.
To address the financial impact of the pandemic on Australian universities, the government introduced a cap on international student enrolments. Enrolments at public universities will be reduced to 145,000 in 2025, while private universities and non-university higher education providers will be limited to enrolling 30,000 new international students. The government has also announced tougher minimum English language requirements and increased scrutiny of those applying for a second study visa. These measures have been criticised by higher education providers, who argue that the industry is being unfairly targeted for housing and migration issues.
In response to the pandemic, the Australian government also considered making significant visa changes to safeguard the interests of international students. The government proposed granting post-study working rights to international students who completed their degrees online and remained in their home countries. The government also recognised that students should not be disadvantaged by the impacts of COVID-19 and considered relaxing the criteria for a post-study work visa. These measures aimed to retain international students and ensure Australia remained a preferred international study destination.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health, wellbeing, and education of international students in Australia. The pandemic also exposed the financial vulnerabilities of Australian universities and led to changes in policies and visa requirements for international students. While the number of international students in Australia is now higher than before the pandemic, the effects of the pandemic have highlighted the need for support strategies to improve the mental health and social wellbeing of international students.
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Australia's international student cap
Australia has introduced a cap on the number of new international students it will accept, as it attempts to reduce overall migration to pre-pandemic levels. The country is one of the biggest international student markets globally, with around 717,500 international students, according to early 2024 government figures.
The cap for 2025 has been set at 270,000 new international students, including both higher education and vocational courses. This figure still requires parliamentary approval, and it may not be reached. The public universities will have a combined cap of around 145,000 new international students, with private universities and non-university higher education providers enrolling 30,000, and vocational education institutions limited to 95,000.
The government has stated that the cap is necessary to address unethical behaviour in the education sector, such as accepting students without adequate language skills or those intending to work instead of study. The cap is also intended to reduce migration levels, which have caused housing and infrastructure issues. However, the tertiary education industry has criticised the move, arguing that it will damage the sector and cost the Australian economy billions.
The University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the Australian National University will be among those hardest hit by the cap, with significant reductions in their international student intake for 2025.
International students were previously allowed to remain outside Australia and study online during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the reopening of international borders, all international students were required to return for on-campus study by 1 July 2023.
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Student experiences: Returning to Australia
International students have been allowed back into Australia since the country reopened its borders. However, there have been several changes to the visa requirements and restrictions for international students since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travel and Visa Requirements
During the pandemic, international students were allowed to remain in their home countries and study online. Now, international students holding a student visa are expected to be in Australia, with many universities returning to compliance with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS). This means that students need to be in Australia by a specified date to commence face-to-face learning, with some universities setting this date as 1 July 2023 for Semester 2 of that year.
Safety and Practical Concerns
Students unable to return to Australia due to safety or practical concerns can contact their university to discuss their options. For example, the University of Canberra accepts reasons such as safety concerns regarding travel from particular regions and evidence supporting these concerns.
Impact on the International Student Sector
The Australian government has recently announced plans to limit new international student commencements to 270,000 in 2025, aiming to manage the sector's growth and maintain the prestige of Australia's international education sector. This has been met with criticism, with some arguing that it will negatively impact the industry and result in job losses.
Student Experiences
International students returning to Australia may experience a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety about the changing requirements. Some students may feel relieved to be able to return to face-to-face learning and experience the benefits of studying in Australia, such as improved language skills and cultural exchange. However, others may struggle with the financial burden, visa requirements, and the pressure to meet the English language proficiency standards, which have been made tougher.
Overall, the return of international students to Australia marks a significant step towards recovery from the pandemic, with the sector now welcoming more students than before COVID-19.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are allowed back in Australia as of 1 July 2023. International students were previously allowed to remain outside of Australia and study online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International students holding a student visa should be in Australia by 1 July 2023, ready to commence face-to-face learning for Semester 2 2023. The Australian government has also announced tougher minimum English language requirements for international students and more scrutiny for those applying for a second study visa.
The University of Canberra has acknowledged that students impacted by the Australian Government's requirement for travellers flying from China, Hong Kong, and Macau to show evidence of a negative pre-departure test for COVID-19 may have their capacity to travel affected. These students are advised to contact the university team.
Australia has recently introduced a cap on international students, limiting new international student commencements to 270,000 in 2025. This has been met with criticism from universities, who argue that the government has taken a "sledgehammer" to the international education sector, causing serious financial harm.
