Australia will cap international student enrolments at 270,000 for 2025 to make the education system “fairer,” according to Education Minister Jason Clare. The decision aims to place the sector on a “more sustainable footing” in response to a 10% increase in international students at universities and a 50% rise in private vocational and training programs since the pandemic.
The cap follows a surge in migration that has strained Australia’s housing market, a significant concern for voters ahead of the upcoming General Elections. Under the new rules, universities can enroll up to 145,000 new international students, while 95,000 foreign students will be allowed to pursue vocational courses.
Universities have criticized the decision, warning it could lead to job losses and reduced revenue in a sector that contributed $24.7 billion to the economy in 2022-2023. The move also aligns with the government’s goal to return to pre-pandemic levels of international students and follows a recent proposal to double visa fees for these students.