Australia is taking a hard line on international student admissions, capping new enrolments at 270,000 in 2025, a move aimed at curbing migration and targeting what the government calls 'shonks' exploiting the education sector.

The new cap would set commencements about 7,000 below pre-pandemic levels and about 53,000 below last year, according to government figures. The move has sparked concerns within the tertiary education sector, which fears the economic impact of such a drastic reduction.

The Government's Justification

The cap, announced by Education Minister Jason Clare, will see universities limited to 145,000 new starters and vocational institutions to 95,000. The government insists that the cap is not intended to harm the international education sector, but rather to make it 'better and fairer'.

Clare maintains that the sector has been exploited by 'shonks' — those seeking to make a quick buck by offering sub-standard education or using student visas as a backdoor for work. He also points to the fact that there are now more international students studying in Australia than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This surge in student numbers has contributed to the government's broader concerns about migration, which has become a contentious issue in the country. The government has been under pressure to address public concerns about housing shortages and rising rents, which have been linked to the increase in migration.

Impact on Universities and the Sector

The cap has been met with criticism from universities, which see it as an existential threat. They argue that the cap will harm the economy, as international student fees are a major source of revenue for universities and help support research, teaching, and infrastructure.

Universities Australia, the peak body for the higher education sector, warns that the cap will 'apply a handbrake' to one of the country's biggest industries. David Lloyd, chair of Universities Australia, says the government's focus should be on tackling broader housing supply issues, rather than targeting international students. He argues that the cap will lead to job losses and a decline in the quality of education.

Political Implications

The government's decision to cap international student numbers is likely to be seen as a response to pressure from the Coalition, which has been critical of the government's handling of migration. The Greens have also criticized the cap, describing it as a 'bad day for university independence'.

The government will need the support of the Coalition to pass the bill into law, which means the cap is likely to go ahead despite the opposition from the higher education sector. The move highlights the challenges facing the government as it tries to balance the need to manage migration with the need to support the economy.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for International Education in Australia?

The Australian government's decision to cap international student enrolments is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for the country's education sector. The move is designed to address concerns about migration and the exploitation of the education sector, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of international education in Australia.

The government's aim is to ensure a 'fairer' system that benefits the whole sector, not just a 'lucky few' universities. However, the move risks undermining one of Australia's most valuable exports and could lead to job losses and a decline in the quality of education. The future of international education in Australia is uncertain, and the government will need to carefully manage the implementation of the cap to avoid further damage to the sector.