Australia follows Canada in capping foreign student numbers, new policy to limit enrollments from 2025
PTC News Desk: The Australian government has announced a cap on the number of international students for the year 2025, limiting admissions to 270,000 candidates. This new policy is part of a broader crackdown on migration and is likely to impact many Indian students who prefer Australia as a study destination. However, there are concerns that this move could negatively affect the lucrative tertiary education sector in the country. Universities have repeatedly warned that limiting the number of foreign students could damage the industry.
Australian Education Minister Jason Clare stated in a recent press conference that there are currently about 10 per cent more international students in Australian universities than there were before the pandemic, and approximately 50 per cent more in private vocational and training providers. He emphasised that the new reforms aim to create a better and fairer international student sector, setting it on a more sustainable path for the future.
The decision comes after Australia experienced a record high in net immigration last September, surging by 60 per cent to 548,800, surpassing the 518,000 recorded in the year ending June 2023. This surge in migration began when Australia increased its annual migration numbers in 2022 to help businesses address labor shortages following strict COVID-19 border controls. The increase has been largely driven by students from India, China, and the Philippines.
In March 2024, Australia tightened its student visa rules, implementing tougher requirements for foreign students. Due to the record high migration levels and the growing number of foreign students, the Australian government has decided to raise English language requirements for student and graduate visas.
Additionally, the government now has the authority to suspend education providers from recruiting international students if they repeatedly violate the rules. This cap on foreign students represents another challenge for those planning to study in Australia.
Similarly, Canada recently reduced the number of international student permits issued. The Canadian government introduced new guidelines for public post-secondary institutions, capping international student enrollment at 30 per cent of the total student body.
According to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, this cap is intended to prevent institutions from being overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate services. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in around 360,000 approved study permits, a 35 per cent decrease from 2023.