A recent survey has revealed that a significant portion of the Australian electorate recognizes the substantial contributions made by international students to the nation’s economic growth and workforce development. According to the poll, conducted among 1,508 voters in key electorates with major university campuses or large international student populations, approximately 61% of respondents perceive international students as crucial drivers of economic prosperity. Furthermore, more than two-thirds (68%) acknowledge the essential role these students play in addressing the country’s skills shortages.
The survey, carried out between June 27 and July 8, 2024, across 11 constituencies in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, highlights the positive sentiment towards international students within the Australian community. Notably, 75% of participants agreed that international students who remain in Australia after completing their studies significantly contribute to the nation’s skilled workforce and overall economic growth.
Despite the favorable public opinion, the Australian government recently introduced legislation in the lower house aimed at restricting the number of international students. The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, which is currently under consideration by the Senate, seeks to impose caps on international student enrolments, raising concerns within the higher education sector.
Universities Australia, the peak body representing the nation’s universities, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed caps. The organization points out that in the previous year, international students accounted for more than half of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. The international education sector, valued at nearly AUD$50 billion, supports approximately 250,000 jobs across the country. Moreover, universities rely heavily on the revenue generated from international student fees to reinvest in teaching, campus infrastructure, and research, especially in the face of declining government funding.
The proposed limits on international enrolments, according to Universities Australia, pose a significant threat to the sector and the broader economy. The organization also highlights the recent challenges related to visa processing, which have already caused substantial disruptions. A notable 23% decline in visa grants over the past year is partly attributed to the introduction of ministerial direction 107. This directive, implemented in December 2023, prioritizes visa applications from students attending low-risk institutions, leading to expedited processing for those students. However, the directive has also slowed visa processing for other students and has resulted in a surge of visa cancellations, issues that were acknowledged by Education Minister Jason Clare at a recent higher education summit.
Minister Clare has indicated that the government is considering replacing ministerial direction 107 with incoming caps on international student enrolments. The details of these caps are expected to be released soon, a development that has sparked considerable concern within the higher education sector.
Universities Australia has projected that the introduction of enrolment caps could result in a $4.3 billion economic loss and the elimination of over 14,000 jobs within the university sector alone. The ripple effects of such a policy could also impact smaller businesses that rely on international students for their livelihoods.
The survey also revealed that voter opinion is divided regarding the potential impact of the proposed caps on the education sector. While a majority of voters believe that the caps would negatively affect the quality of education received by Australian students, as well as university research and innovation, others see potential benefits. Specifically, 51% of respondents indicated that they believe the caps could positively impact housing affordability.
The data further showed varying levels of support for international students across different political affiliations. Those intending to vote for the Green or Labour parties were most supportive of international students, followed by voters for the Coalition. Overall, 52% of respondents viewed international students positively. Among those planning to vote for other parties or candidates, 43% held a favorable view of international students.
As the debate over international student caps continues, the implications for Australia’s education sector, economy, and broader society remain significant. The forthcoming decisions by the government will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of international education in the country.
