Australia reports high international students population surpassing 700,000

While taking measures to control the record number of migrants, Australia has reported a historical increase in the international student population which surpassed 700,000 for the first time. 

As per the government data shared by the Australian Home Affairs Department, the number of international students in Australia has surpassed 700,000 for the first time. This increase in international students has resulted in a record-high number of temporary entrants totalling at 2.8 million individuals.

The result was an “all time record”, up from 664,178 in September 2023, said Abdul Rizvi, the former deputy secretary of the immigration department.

“The record number of students living here means there is a real danger of a knee-jerk reaction from the government in order to swing the pendulum quickly,” said Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, as reported by Financial Review.

Record number of international students despite high application rejection

To control the recent surge in the international population in Australia the government started to tighten Australian visas for international students by increasing English requirements, adding new genuine student tests and new powers to suspend high-risk education providers from recruiting international students. The international student numbers are still high despite high rejections of applications. Government data also revealed that over 50,000 applications were rejected in the three months leading up to February.

The total visa granted between the year 2023 to 24 to February 29, 2024, is 264,008, which was 577, 295 in the year 2022 to 2023.

Australia govt likely go for quick fixes

Abul Rizvi, an immigration expert, also warned that the Australian government might introduce quick-fix solutions such as high application fees or a cap on the total number of applications.

"While student stock hit a new record, offshore student apps & grants fell sharply for a Feb. Feb24 apps were 21752. Feb23 was 36787. Feb22 was 27173. Precovid Feb record was 22809. Corner has been turned offshore but not yet onshore," reads his message on the X platform.

Experts have warned that a knee-jerk reaction from the government to reduce numbers is expected to affect the entire sector. The housing rental crisis and looming election are adding to the challenges for international students. 

Australia has always been a top choice for Indian students who aspire to study abroad, as it offers top-quality education and many internships and job opportunities after the course thanks to the strong economy of the country.

Read more:

• Study Abroad: Indian students' challenges after Increased Australian Student Visa Rejection
• After visa restrictions, housing shortages in Australia another roadblock to study abroad dreams of Indians