Global policymakers often emphasise the significant role international students play in their countries. From highlighting their contributions to the economy to the enriching diversity they bring to academic institutions, they carried on showcasing the benefits of international students in the country.
Despite this, 2023 witnessed a trend among leading study destinations where policymakers entertained the notion of imposing caps on international student enrollment, sparking widespread criticism and concern among students.
In Canada, amidst a housing crisis, Minister of Housing Sean Fraser initially suggested that limiting international student numbers could alleviate the issue. Yet, facing opposition from students, education agents, and higher education institutions, the immigration minister, Marc Miller, eventually confirmed that Canada would not implement any caps on international student admissions.
Similarly, Australia experienced deliberations about restricting the influx of international students, as revealed in a leaked report. However, the government pivoted and introduced a new migration strategy in December instead of pursuing stringent limitations.
In the UK, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman bypassed the necessity of capping international students bringing their dependents into the country, signalling a shift towards a more inclusive policy.
While higher education systems in the UK and Canada prioritise factors beyond profit, political shifts in Scandinavian countries prompted closer scrutiny of their historically low tuition fees in Norway and Finland. Despite valuing the historical enrichment brought by international students, these Scandinavian nations reevaluated their fee structures under new governmental directions.
Denmark, having previously restricted English language courses in 2021 to limit international student intake, witnessed detrimental economic impacts. Consequently, the country initiated plans to reopen some courses, recognising the decision’s costly consequences.
In contrast, Germany’s popularity surged among international students due to its attractive combination of low tuition fees and appealing post-study work opportunities, resulting in record-breaking numbers of enrollments.
The United States demonstrated minimal government intervention in policies related to international students, fostering an environment with relatively autonomous policies in this domain.
Lastly, New Zealand faced substantial challenges due to prolonged border closures, severely impacting student numbers. The new government collaborated to revitalize student interest by pledging expanded working rights, expediting visa processing, and offering opportunities for graduates to remain in the country.
