Some stakeholders in Australia are in favor of the idea of ‘soft’ cap on international students’ enrolment. However, on the other hand, they warned the Australian government not to risk the international education market in Australia. The new draft framework, in which policies are included, will come into action later this year or in January 2025.
According to the reports, the minister of education, Jason Clare, would have the power to set the ceilings on new enrollment at any institution. The government of Australia is required to work closely with stakeholders to respond to various challenges.
There is a recent survey carried out by industry experts, which highlighted that the curb on international students in the UK, Australia, and Canada is pushing international students towards the USA. As per the stakeholders, they referred to a recent survey by the National Australia Bank, which highlighted that international students were responsible for half of the country’s GDP growth. In 2023, international students contributed around $48 billion to the economy of Australia.
With the slight warning to the government, stakeholders highlighted that decades of careful and strategic work by the universities and the government made Australia a great leader in providing education. If this capping or restriction continues to grow, then the years of work will go to waste.
The remarks showcase that international students are worth so much more than the accommodation, living costs, and fees. There is a need for universities to work closely with the government to resolve issues like accommodations. Moreover, universities in Australia are happy to be of assistance to the government so that Australia’s position as a leading study abroad destination does not hamper.
The planned reforms follow a series of restrictions imposed on the overseas education sector in recent months.
