By late 2023, Australia has experienced a remarkable upswing in the issuance of student visas, reaching unprecedented levels.
The booming international education sector has shown notable resilience, even amidst a year marked by numerous policy changes and an upcoming federal election focused on migration.
Record Visa Issuances
In November alone, the Department of Home Affairs reported that around 17,000 visas were issued to international students eager to enroll in Australian universities.
This figure represents the highest number granted for that month on record.
Since mid-2024, the rate of monthly visa issuances has consistently approached or exceeded pre-pandemic highs, signaling a substantial rebound in the overall population of foreign students.
Typically, two-thirds of these visa holders pursue higher education.
What stands out about this trend is the context of around ten policy changes introduced since December 2023.
These adjustments aimed at regulating overseas student enrollments included stricter financial criteria for visa applicants, increased fees, and a messy overhaul of visa processing priorities.
Consequently, this led to longer wait times and higher refusal rates for student visas.
Political Landscape and Migration
As the Liberal Party gears up for a general election expected by mid-May, they have been vocal in their criticism of the current Labor government, blaming them for the rise in student numbers following Australia’s post-pandemic border reopening.
Initially, the growth of international student enrollments was spurred on by policies from the previous Liberal administration, which are now implicated in the ongoing housing crisis.
At a campaign event recently, the Liberal leader proposed implementing stricter limits on foreign student numbers if they return to power, aiming to relieve pressure on urban rental markets.
In contrast, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has argued that the significant influx of migrants to Australia stems more from a drop in departures than a surge in arrivals.
Recent data, however, suggests that both factors are influencing the numbers.
Additionally, this data doesn’t account for the large contingent of applicants appealing visa refusals.
Appeals and Alternatives for Students
A report from the Sydney Morning Herald uncovered that, in just five months, the number of international students challenging their visa rejections in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has surged, exceeding 20,000 for the first time.
Remarkably, two-thirds of these refusals have been overturned by the tribunal.
Amidst these complexities, many international students are exploring new avenues to extend their stay in Australia, whether by enrolling in additional courses or applying for asylum.
Immigration expert Abul Rizvi has noted that the number of onshore student visa applicants has surpassed 100,000.
Information provided in response to a Senate inquiry in October revealed that the average monthly asylum applications from international students have increased from about 300 to approximately 450 since mid-2024, peaking at 516 in August—the highest number recorded in at least five years, likely since the Tiananmen Square events in 1989.
With the recent replacement of the controversial ministerial direction 107 with direction 111 in late December, there could be more opportunities for raising student visa grants in the future.
Some industry insiders have remarked that the new processing guidelines have led to faster application turnarounds, although others argue that the pace has slowed compared to last year.
This divergence in perspectives has sparked concerns about potential policy shifts and their ramifications for institutions that are already nearing the 80% cap on international student enrollment.
Experts fear that recruitment agents may hesitate to promote universities and colleges that have hit their thresholds, causing a ripple effect of unpredictability in recruitment strategies, as noted by industry consultant Dirk Mulder.
Source: Insidehighered