International Students: Returning To Campuses?

International students are a vital part of the workforce in many countries. In 2021, international students started to return to the US, with undergraduate inquiries up by 6% and applications up by 3%. The US government revoked the visas of hundreds of international students in 2025, citing campus activism as the reason. In Australia, the number of international students increased by 29,856 in the first six weeks after the border reopened in mid-December 2024, with the government enticing students with visa refunds and easier workforce access.

International students are returning to Australia

International students are finally returning to Australia after the country's borders were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic disrupted the lives and studies of many international students, and put a major revenue stream for Australian universities at risk. Since borders reopened in December 2021, the number of overseas students in Australia has increased by over 120,000, with international student numbers reaching around 370,000 by October 2022.

The majority of returning international students are attending larger, more prestigious universities. This is partly due to the increased access to post-study work rights in Australia, which allows students in some courses to stay longer in the country after finishing their course. The Australian government has also temporarily relaxed working restrictions, removing the cap on the number of hours international students can work. These policies make Australia a more desirable study destination, and international students are a vital source of revenue for the country's higher education sector.

However, there are still more than 72,000 international student visa holders outside Australia, almost half of whom are Chinese students still subject to travel restrictions in their home country. It will take time for international student enrolments to return to pre-pandemic levels, as the pandemic disrupted the pipeline of students. Without new students to replace those finishing their courses, international student numbers fell.

There are a number of COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines in place for international students returning to Australia, including mandatory quarantine, vaccination requirements, and negative COVID-19 test results. Many Australian universities also offer support services for international students, including orientation programs, counselling, and academic assistance.

The US revoked visas for international students

The United States has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students, asking them to self-deport. The US Department of State (DOS) has sent out emails to these students, stating that their F-1 visas have been revoked due to campus activism. This includes not only those who physically participated in activism but also those who shared or liked "anti-national" posts on social media. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has defended these actions, stating that every country has the right to decide who comes in as a visitor. Rubio has also said that the US visa is "not a birthright" and that those who violate the terms of their visitation will be asked to leave.

The revocation of visas has been criticized by some, who argue that it creates an unwelcoming atmosphere for international students. In addition, the US has tightened visa restrictions, making it more difficult for international students to obtain visas in the first place. This has resulted in a decline in the number of international students enrolling in American colleges and universities. The pandemic has also played a role, with travel restrictions causing a further decrease in enrollment.

The US government has defended its actions by stating that it is cracking down on so-called "anti-national activities" and those who support terrorism or terrorist organizations. The DOS, which includes Consulate officials, is scrutinizing new student applications as well as renewing visas. If applicants are found guilty of supporting terrorism or terrorist organizations, they will be denied the opportunity to study in the US. The US government has also launched the "Catch and Revoke" app, which uses AI to detect and cancel the visas of students found supporting Hamas or other designated terrorist groups.

International students whose visas have been revoked can legally challenge the revocation if they are not disenrolled from their institution. They can remain in the US and continue their studies while applying for a new visa. However, they may also be placed in deportation proceedings and will need to present their passport to the US embassy or consulate to have their visa physically canceled. If they intend to return to the US in the future, their eligibility for a new visa will be reassessed.

International students are coming back to the US

International students who come to the US to study a STEM-related field have the right to work in the country for up to three years after graduation, with no additional effort on the part of their employer. There is a huge demand for international graduates, especially in STEM fields, where they provide much-needed talent that drives growth.

However, the popularity of the US among international students has been steadily declining since 2018, and the number of international students today remains well below pre-pandemic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted major travel restrictions, causing international enrollment to decline. The number of international students studying in the United States fell by 18% last year, according to student visa records. The number of visas issued for newly enrolled international students dropped by 72%.

Despite these challenges, international enrollment bounced back last year, increasing by 4% in the 2021-22 academic year and an additional 9% this fall, following a 15% drop in 2020-21. This rebound is consistent with historical precedent, as educational exchanges have occurred during pandemics in the past and have grown rapidly afterward.

International students are a vital part of the workforce

International students contribute to the economy in multiple ways, including tuition fees, living costs, medical bills, and transportation. They also add value to scientific and technical research, introduce different perspectives, make societies more liberal and tolerant, and foster long-term business collaborations. For example, international students contributed a significant $39.4 billion to the US economy in 2016, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE). This included not only tuition fees but also their spending in the US economy.

International students also bring socio-cultural diversity to campuses, creating a progressive and enriching learning environment. They ensure that many courses remain viable, providing greater choice for domestic students. Additionally, international students benefit host countries by increasing social and cultural diversity, enriching the research and learning environment, and helping domestic students develop a more global mindset. This is particularly important in preparing American undergraduates for global careers, as they bring international perspectives into US classrooms.

Furthermore, international students represent a significant part of the global talent pool and play a pivotal role in addressing growing labour shortages, increasing productivity and innovation, and boosting the economies of receiving countries. They face challenges in finding suitable employment and integrating into host societies, but their contributions are critical to organizations and host countries facing heightened worldwide competition for talent. International students who study in STEM-related fields in the US, for example, have the right to work in the country for up to three years after graduation, filling much-needed talent gaps and driving growth.

The US tightened visa restrictions for international students

International students have long been attracted to the United States, with its colleges and universities being the envy of the world. However, in recent years, the US has tightened its visa restrictions for international students, causing concern that international students would no longer want to come to the country.

In 2020, the US government abruptly dropped new visa rules for international students, causing a wave of concern across university campuses. The government initially limited the number of online courses international students could take while residing in the US. However, after the pandemic, these restrictions were loosened, allowing international students' visas to remain active even if they were taking classes online. Despite this, the government's sudden change back to the original restrictions sparked worry among international students, with many fearing they would be put at serious risk.

In 2021, there was a positive trend in application and enrollment numbers, indicating that international students were once again aspiring to study in the US. This was welcomed by American colleges and universities, who recognised the benefits of having international students on their campuses.

However, in 2025, the US government, under the Trump administration, appeared poised to implement sweeping new restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country. Yale Law School professors warned international students of an imminent US travel ban, urging those abroad to return to the US immediately. Additionally, in 2025, countries such as Canada, Australia, and the UK also tightened their visa rules for international students. These changes aimed to manage migration, prevent fraud, and ensure that international students contributed to the economy.

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