Lori Meadows
Australia has long been a popular destination for international students seeking a world-class education and career opportunities. However, recent years have seen a decline in international student enrolment in the country, with the COVID-19 pandemic and Australia's immigration policies contributing to this trend. International students have faced challenges in enrolling in Sydney's public schools and universities due to shrinking availability and stricter visa requirements. The Australian government's stance on international student welfare has also been called into question, with some accusing it of 'policy inaction'. Despite these issues, Australia remains a sought-after study destination for many, and the government has recognised the need to manage international student numbers effectively to maintain the country's reputation as a welcoming study destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' perception of Australia's education system | Impressed by the education system and universities |
| International students' preference for Australia | Love Australia and its education system |
| Difficulty in enrolling in Sydney's public schools | Shrinking availability |
| International students' contribution to the economy | International students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023, supporting around 63,000 local jobs |
| International students' work opportunities in Australia | International students can work part-time while studying, typically up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during breaks |
| Post-graduation opportunities in Australia | Offers numerous opportunities for international students to work and live in the country after graduation |
| Australian government's stance on international students | Accusations of 'policy inaction' on international student welfare |
| Australian migration laws and international students with disabilities | Discriminatory, forcing students and staff to hide their conditions for fear of visa rejection or deportation |
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What You'll Learn
- International students' enrolment in Sydney's public schools is shrinking
- International students' parents use Australian public schools as a pathway to universities
- International students face visa issues due to Australia's discriminatory migration laws
- International student visa applications have decreased in 2025
- International students enrich classrooms and contribute to the economy
International students' enrolment in Sydney's public schools is shrinking
International students have long been attracted to Australia's education system, with many using Sydney's public primary and high schools as a pathway to the country's prestigious universities. However, recent developments have made it more difficult for international students to enrol in these schools, causing a shrinking in international student enrolment numbers.
One of the main factors contributing to this issue is the limited capacity of Sydney's public schools to accommodate international students. Schools can only accept international students if they have not reached their enrolment cap, and many schools in Sydney have already exceeded their capacity. This has resulted in dozens of foreign students being turned away from some of the city's most in-demand schools. The chief education officer of the international wing of the Department of Education, Milton Wan, has confirmed this, stating that their "growth has been limited" due to changes in enrolment policies.
The impact of this issue is significant, as international students in Sydney's public schools contribute substantially to the department's revenue. It is estimated that international students in their senior years pay about $19,000 each to study in Sydney, resulting in approximately $40 million in revenue for the department annually. Between 2019 and 2024, Australia experienced a 23% reduction in international school students, with the number falling from 4551 in 2019 to 3500 in 2024. This decline in international student enrolment has also been observed in other sectors, such as ELICOS and non-award courses, which saw decreases of 7% and 25%, respectively, when compared to 2019.
The federal government's decision to cap international student numbers has faced resistance from state governments, particularly in Victoria, which holds 30% of the national market share of international student enrolments. The Victorian government has argued that the caps could have unintended consequences for the economy and jobs, as international students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023, supporting around 63,000 local jobs in the state. Furthermore, universities have also expressed concern, noting that actual enrolment numbers in Canada dropped significantly after similar caps were imposed.
Overall, the shrinking availability and increasing restrictions on international student enrolment in Sydney's public schools have made it challenging for foreign students to access Australia's education system. This has resulted in a decline in enrolment numbers and could have broader economic implications for the country.
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International students' parents use Australian public schools as a pathway to universities
International students in senior years pay about $19,000 each to study in Sydney, contributing about $40 million a year to the department's revenue, according to Milton Wan, chief education officer of the international wing of the Department of Education. Between 2019 and 2024, Australia experienced a 23% reduction in international school students, with the number falling from 4551 in 2019 to 3500 in 2024. This reduction in international students has also been attributed to the Australian government's decision to cap international student numbers. This decision has faced resistance from state governments, such as Victoria, which holds 30% of the national market share of international student enrollments. In 2023, international students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in Victoria, supporting around 63,000 local jobs.
The availability of spaces for international students in Sydney's public schools has been shrinking, making it more difficult for international students to enrol. This is due to limited capacity and stricter enrolment policies. However, international students who are already enrolled in NSW public schools will be allowed to continue their studies, even if the school reaches its enrolment cap.
Australia has been a popular destination for international students due to the high quality of its education system and the opportunity to study in a multicultural environment. The country's universities are also sought after for their academic excellence and diverse range of programs. Additionally, international students have the option to live with family members already residing in Australia and attend local state or private schools. Australia's immigration policies also allow parents to accompany their children under 18 years old during their studies, allowing them to experience the Australian way of life.
The Australian government has recognised the contributions of international students to the country's economy and population growth. Qualified individuals who meet specific labour market demands can obtain permanent visas and Australian citizenship for themselves and their families. International students have been viewed as a solution to tightening fiscal conditions in higher education, with universities relying on their higher tuition fees to compensate for reduced public funding. However, concerns have been raised about the welfare of students and the potential for them to be treated as mere "cash cows".
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International students face visa issues due to Australia's discriminatory migration laws
Australia has long been a popular destination for international students, who are attracted by its world-class education system. However, recent changes to migration laws and visa policies have made it more difficult for international students to study in the country. These changes include tougher visa conditions, stronger English language tests, and rules for education agents. The Australian government has also announced plans to halve net migration by 2025, targeting non-genuine students who use student visas as a pathway to permanent residency. As a result, universities have seen an increase in student visa refusals, with one in five students having their visas rejected in the year to March.
International students have faced significant challenges due to these new policies. Many have been forced to withdraw or defer their applications due to visa processing delays, with some students waiting over 10 months for their visas to be approved. Universities have also felt the impact, with some facing budget pressures and staff cuts due to the decrease in international student enrolments. The University of Melbourne, for example, offered an extension to enrolled international students who had not yet received their visas for the 2024 intake.
In addition to the direct impact on students and universities, the Australian economy may also suffer due to the decrease in international student enrolments. International students contributed $43.8 billion to the economy during the 2023-24 academic year, supporting 378,175 jobs. A decrease in international student numbers could therefore have negative consequences for the economy and jobs, as recognised by the Victorian Labor government, who have opposed the federal government's cap on overseas students.
While the Australian government has stated that the anticipated changes will not significantly impact university intakes, there are concerns that the reforms might jeopardise the status of some universities as preferred, low-risk providers with the immigration department. The changes to international student visas also include extending the duration of a post-study visa to two years and limiting work hours to 48 hours per fortnight. However, the financial strain of studying in Australia remains a significant concern for prospective international students, with rising living costs and accommodation expenses.
Furthermore, Australia's migration laws have been criticised for their discriminatory nature towards individuals with disabilities. While the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) aims to protect people with disabilities from discrimination, the Migration Act 1958 is specifically exempt from these protections. As a result, international students and staff with disabilities may feel forced to hide their conditions for fear of visa rejection or deportation. This creates an impossible situation for those who need support and accommodations, affecting their academic performance and mental health.
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International student visa applications have decreased in 2025
Australia has implemented significant changes to its student visa process in 2025, which has resulted in a decrease in international student visa applications. The previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion has been replaced with the more stringent Genuine Student (GS) requirement, necessitating a more detailed explanation of students' course choices, academic backgrounds, and plans to comply with visa conditions. This has raised the bar for applicants, demanding more structured preparation and stronger documentation.
Additionally, the Australian government has imposed stricter financial, English, and enrolment criteria, along with state-level restrictions and higher costs. The visa fee has doubled, and there is a new processing directive that prioritises applications from institutions considered lower risk. These changes have made it more challenging and costly for international students to pursue their education in Australia.
The impact of these changes is evident in the declining numbers of international student visa applications. In 2024, offshore student visa applications fell by almost 40%, amounting to approximately 120,000 fewer prospective students seeking to study in Australia. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with universities anticipating a significant decrease in applications, similar to the decline observed in Canadian universities after they imposed caps on student enrolments.
The Australian government's crackdown on the international education sector has faced resistance from state governments, particularly in Victoria, which holds 30% of the national market share of international student enrolments. The Victorian government has warned that the proposed caps could cost the state up to 12,000 jobs and $5.9 billion by 2027, damaging the sector's reputation and hindering its ability to address local skills shortages.
Despite the decrease in visa applications, international students continue to be attracted to Australia's education system. The availability of public primary and high schools in cities like Sydney offers a pathway to Australian universities, providing a unique learning experience and impressive results. However, shrinking availability and stricter visa requirements have made it more difficult for international students to enrol, impacting their ability to access educational opportunities in the country.
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International students enrich classrooms and contribute to the economy
International students are an integral part of the education system in Australia. They bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to classrooms, enriching the learning environment for all students. The presence of international students in Australian schools and universities fosters a global community, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This exchange of ideas and interpretations extends beyond the classroom, contributing to the country's innovation and economic growth.
International students contribute significantly to the Australian economy, both directly and indirectly. They pay higher tuition fees, which helps fund universities and support academic research. According to the Victorian government, international students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023, supporting around 63,000 local jobs. This impact is felt across various sectors, including housing, food services, retail, transportation, and insurance.
In Sydney, international students in senior years pay approximately $19,000 each to study, contributing about $40 million annually to the department's revenue. This contribution is vital to the financial viability of educational institutions, and a reduction in international student numbers can have a ripple effect on the broader economy. For instance, between 2019 and 2024, Australia experienced a 23% decrease in international school students, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for the education sector.
International students also contribute to the economy through their consumption of goods and services during their stay. They support local businesses, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the communities they live in. The presence of international students can further enhance a region's reputation, as seen with Melbourne, which retained its status as Australia's best student city.
Attracting international students is beneficial for Australia's economy and society as a whole. The exchange of knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding fostered by international students enriches classrooms and communities, while their economic contributions support local businesses and create job opportunities. Therefore, policies that encourage and support international students are essential to ensuring Australia remains a competitive and attractive destination for international education.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can enrol in Australian public primary and high schools as a pathway to Australian universities. However, shrinking availability is making it more difficult for international students to enrol in Sydney's public schools.
Yes, Australia has long positioned itself as a welcoming destination for international students seeking world-class education and career opportunities. However, the federal government's decision to cap international student numbers has faced resistance from the Victorian Labor government.
Yes, Australia offers numerous opportunities for international students to work and live in the country after graduation. The Post-Study Work Visa allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia, providing a pathway to permanent residency. International students can also work part-time while studying, typically up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during breaks.
