Australia will limit the number of foreign students starting next year, the government announced on Tuesday, reducing a multi-billion dollar sector amid increasing political scrutiny on immigration.
Education Minister Jason Clare revealed that international student numbers for universities, higher education, and vocational training will be capped at 270,000 for 2025. This plan, which requires legislative approval, will result in varying student numbers across universities, with some seeing an increase this year and others a decrease next year.
In 2023, foreign students contributed over AU$42 billion to Australian universities and vocational education centers. More than 577,000 international student visas were issued for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
Clare noted that the new cap would bring international student numbers back to pre-COVID-19 levels. The 2025 allocation will include 145,000 new foreign students for universities, 30,000 for other higher education institutions, and 95,000 for vocational education and training. This limit will replace the current policy of prioritizing students with a low risk of visa non-compliance.
