As increasing numbers of Indian students seek educational opportunities overseas, Australia remains a popular destination. However, recent developments may impact their plans. Australia has taken a bold step by announcing that it would only accept 270,000 overseas students by the year 2025. This decision is part of the government’s attempt to control the country’s record migration rates, which have led to soaring housing rental costs.
“There’s about 10% more international students in our universities today than before the pandemic and about 50% more in our private vocational and training providers,” Education Minister Jason Clare was quoted by The Times of India as highlighting the present situation. He underlined that the goal of the recent changes is to build a more equal and long-lasting international student market.
The limit is the latest in a slew of steps implemented by Australia since last year to reverse Covid-era benefits for international students as well as workers. Prior to the implementation of stringent border restrictions that barred foreign workers from entering the nation, these concessions had permitted enterprises to hire domestically.
According to TOI, the rate of migration has increased significantly, with net immigration in Australia reaching an all-time high of 548,800 by September 30, 2023. With sa$36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) in revenue in the 2022–2023 fiscal year, Australia’s foreign education industry makes significant economic contributions. However, popular opinion is altering. Voters have voiced alarm about the big influx of international students and workers, saying it will put undue pressure on the property market. This problem is expected to become a hot topic in the 2018 election, which is less than a year away.
Australia has increased foreign student visa fees significantly in an attempt to reduce migration and manage soaring housing expenses. The cost of an international student visa increased from A$710 to A$1,600 ($1,068) as of July 1. New limitations have also been put in place, making it impossible for those on visiting visas and students on temporary graduate visas to apply for a student visa while they are onshore.
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Source: NEWS18
