The Australian government has unveiled plans to cap the number of new international student enrollments at 270,000 for the 2025 academic year. The goal is to bolster the “integrity and sustainability of the international education sector.” While the government highlights several objectives for the new cap, many students and experts are unclear on how the policy will be implemented and whether it could impose further restrictions on international students.
Brinda Gandhi, a 22-year-old international student, feels fortunate to have arrived before the changes. I feel lucky considering all the upcoming visa changes,” Gandhi told SBS Hindi. “If these adjustments improve the education system, I support them. But it’s tough being an international student, and I’ve seen many of my peers struggle. The proposal seems to signal that only the most qualified are welcome.”
Details of the Cap Announcement
In an official statement, the government explained that the cap would take effect starting January 2025, replacing Ministerial Direction 107, which governs offshore student visa applications. This move is expected to bring student numbers back to pre-pandemic levels. Future arrangements for 2026 and beyond will aim to balance sustainable growth in the education sector.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) clarified that this cap does not apply to all student visas but focuses on new international student commencements. Categories exempt from the cap include students in schools, those in standalone English language programs, and higher research degrees, among others.
A DHA spokesperson emphasized that the government’s goal is to maintain Australia’s reputation for providing high-quality education. “We are committed to supporting a world-class education sector and ensuring its sustainability by maintaining the integrity of the student visa program,” the spokesperson told SBS Hindi.
Concerns and Criticism
In the past year, the Australian government has introduced various changes to the student visa system, including higher fees, stricter English language requirements, and reduced post-study work rights. Universities and experts are concerned that the new cap could further harm the international education sector.
Professor David Lloyd, Chair of Universities Australia, criticized the policy, stating that existing visa restrictions had already severely impacted universities, particularly those in regional areas. “Ministerial Direction 107 has slowed visa processing and caused significant financial harm to universities,” Lloyd said.
Experts, like former Immigration Department official Abul Rizvi, are calling for more clarity on how the cap will affect visa applications. Rizvi pointed out that while the government plans to replace Ministerial Direction 107, the details remain unclear. He also noted that the current number of temporary graduates in Australia, now exceeding 200,000, continues to rise rapidly.
Education expert Ravi Lochan added that the exact cap per institution has not been specified. He also noted that despite earlier drops in visa grant rates, recent improvements have occurred, and universities are becoming more selective in their recruitment processes.
The government’s proposal, while aimed at managing growth, still raises questions about its practical impact on international students and educational institutions.