Australia has seen a big jump in international student numbers, reaching over 700,000 for the first time and adding up to 2.8 million temporary residents.
As of February 29, data from the home affairs department revealed 713,144 international students in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that pandemic-related border closures caused more students and temporary migrants than usual.
Albanese stressed managing population levels and plans to cut numbers through a migration strategy. The government has eased English language requirements for student visas and introduced a genuine student test to fight fraud.
However, visa rejections surged, with over 50,000 applications turned down in the last three months, alongside lower approval rates and fewer applications after two years.
Experts advise against quickly reducing student numbers, warning of possible harm to the education sector and economy. International education is a major $50 billion export for Australia.
Students are also eyeing smaller countries like New Zealand, Germany, and the US due to stricter policies in Canada, the UK, and Australia to control student growth.
Australia foreign students, Student enrollment, Visa rejection rates, International education, Australian universities