Australia has recently announced a significant decision to cap its international student intake at 270,000 by 2025. This move comes as a response to the escalating levels of migration that have directly contributed to the surge in house rental prices across the country. The restriction encompasses both higher education courses and vocational education and training programs, as confirmed by Australia’s Education Minister, Jason Clare. He emphasized that the current count of international students in Australian universities exceeds pre-pandemic levels by 10%, with a 50% surge in private vocational and training providers. The reforms introduced aim to establish a more sustainable and equitable international student sector for the future.
Reportedly, the Government of Australia will set a National Planning Level (NPL) for new international students. The NPL is divided between the higher education and VET sectors.
School students, higher degree by research students, students undertaking standalone English language courses (ELICOS), non-award students, Australian Government sponsored scholars, students that are part of an Australian transnational education arrangement or twinning arrangement, key partner foreign government scholarship holders, and students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste are excluded from the NPL.
Australia’s previous approach to international student enrollment did not involve a strict numerical cap. Instead, the government regulated student intake through quality assurance measures and visa regulations.
The limitation on international student numbers is expected to have a notable impact on Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, especially those hailing from Punjab, a region that sends a substantial number of students to Australia. This development follows a series of actions initiated since the previous year to phase out COVID-era relaxations for foreign students and workers.
The Department of Education, Australian Government, recently released data showcasing the fluctuating trend in the enrollment of Indian students in Australian educational institutions. In 2019, a total of 1,15,107 Indian students were pursuing their studies in Australia. The following year, 2020, witnessed a slight decrease with 1,14,842 students. This decline continued into 2021, as the number dropped to 99,227 students, likely due to the global pandemic and associated travel restrictions. Despite hopes for a significant rise in 2022, the numbers stabilized at 99,374 students. However, the year 2023 brought a positive change, with a notable increase to 126,487 Indian students, indicating a revived interest in Australian education as borders reopened and restrictions eased.
In 2024, there was a decrease once again, with 1,18,109 students enrolling in Australian institutions. The fluctuating trend reflects the various external factors influencing international student enrollment in Australia.
Despite being a significant export industry for Australia, contributing AUD 36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) to the economy in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, there has been mounting public apprehension regarding the influx of foreign students and workers. This influx has been perceived to add strain to the housing market. As the country approaches an election within the next year, immigration is anticipated to be a pivotal issue on the political agenda.
International education remains one of Australia’s largest export industries, contributing AUD 36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, around 1.22 lakh students from the country study in Australia. India’s Quad partner is the fourth most popular destination for Indian students studying abroad, after Canada, the US and the UK.
Reportedly, the Government of Australia will set a National Planning Level (NPL) for new international students. The NPL is divided between the higher education and VET sectors.
School students, higher degree by research students, students undertaking standalone English language courses (ELICOS), non-award students, Australian Government sponsored scholars, students that are part of an Australian transnational education arrangement or twinning arrangement, key partner foreign government scholarship holders, and students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste are excluded from the NPL.
Australia’s previous approach to international student enrollment did not involve a strict numerical cap. Instead, the government regulated student intake through quality assurance measures and visa regulations.
Impact on Indian Students, Particularly from Punjab
The limitation on international student numbers is expected to have a notable impact on Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, especially those hailing from Punjab, a region that sends a substantial number of students to Australia. This development follows a series of actions initiated since the previous year to phase out COVID-era relaxations for foreign students and workers.
The Department of Education, Australian Government, recently released data showcasing the fluctuating trend in the enrollment of Indian students in Australian educational institutions. In 2019, a total of 1,15,107 Indian students were pursuing their studies in Australia. The following year, 2020, witnessed a slight decrease with 1,14,842 students. This decline continued into 2021, as the number dropped to 99,227 students, likely due to the global pandemic and associated travel restrictions. Despite hopes for a significant rise in 2022, the numbers stabilized at 99,374 students. However, the year 2023 brought a positive change, with a notable increase to 126,487 Indian students, indicating a revived interest in Australian education as borders reopened and restrictions eased.
In 2024, there was a decrease once again, with 1,18,109 students enrolling in Australian institutions. The fluctuating trend reflects the various external factors influencing international student enrollment in Australia.
Economic Impact and Public Concern
Despite being a significant export industry for Australia, contributing AUD 36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) to the economy in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, there has been mounting public apprehension regarding the influx of foreign students and workers. This influx has been perceived to add strain to the housing market. As the country approaches an election within the next year, immigration is anticipated to be a pivotal issue on the political agenda.
International education remains one of Australia’s largest export industries, contributing AUD 36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) to the economy in the 2022-2023 financial year.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, around 1.22 lakh students from the country study in Australia. India’s Quad partner is the fourth most popular destination for Indian students studying abroad, after Canada, the US and the UK.