Australia limits number of international students

Australia's education minister is considering the possibility of placing limits on international student enrolments, under proposed legislation aimed at “improving the quality of education.”

The education sector admits the unprecedented growth in international student numbers is unsustainable, but says chronic funding shortages have forced schools to rely on the lucrative market.

Education Minister Jason Clare and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil told stakeholders on May 13 that the government would work closely with them to achieve a fair outcome.

International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood admitted public and private universities, as well as English language centres, were facing staffing issues, commercial leases and business plans.

Therefore, they need at least 6-7 months to plan based on any new policy framework of the government.

The new limit will not apply to PhD students as the government believes the quality of research cannot be affected by the change.

Minister Clare says “shady” study abroad companies are looking to exploit the return of international students to Australia following the Covid-19 pandemic.

As international education is a valuable asset for Australia, the proposed reforms will help re-establish international education for the future.

Some schools are said to have lowered admissions standards and encouraged study abroad companies to attract international students.

The Australian Federal Government says a ban on paying commissions for school transfer applications will help address the problem.

Restrictions on schools and study abroad companies will also be tightened, but it is not yet clear what the international enrollment limits will be for schools.

The bill would also allow universities to exceed the limit if they build more student accommodation, in a bid to ease pressure on the rental market.

The number of international students in Australia hit a record high of 671,000 in March, up 15% on last year.

International students bring 48 billion AUD (about 32 billion USD) and 200,000 jobs to the Australian economy. It is the country's fourth largest export industry.