Australia restricts foreign students to reduce record immigration

At a press conference on August 27, AustralianEducation Minister Jason Clare said: "Currently, the number of international students studying at our universities has increased by about 10% compared to before the pandemic (COVID-19). At private training and vocational training institutions, the number of international students has increased by about 50%".

The number of new international students entering universities will be capped at 145,000, the same as in 2023, and 95,000 for practical and skills courses. Mr Clare said the country would notify universities of specific enrolment limits.

Students walk past stalls during orientation week at the University of Sydney in Australia. Photo: Reuters

The decision follows a series of moves since last year to end COVID-related incentives for students and foreign workers in Australia, and introduce border controls that have kept foreign workers out of the country.

The Association of Australian Universities said the government's move would "put a damper on" the education sector. "We recognise the government's right to control migration numbers, but this should not be done at the expense of any sector, especially one as economically important as education," said Professor David Lloyd, president of the association.

International education is expected to generate $36.4 billion ($24.7 billion) for the Australian economy in the 2022-23 financial year.

However, polls show voters are concerned that an influx of foreign students and workers will put undue pressure on the housing market, making immigration a key issue in the election less than a year from now.

Australia's net immigration hit a record high in the year to September 30, 2023, jumping 60% to a record 548,800, with students from India, China and the Philippines accounting for the majority of the increase. In an effort to curb the influx, Australia doubled visa fees for foreign students last month.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/uc-han-che-sinh-vien-nuoc-ngoai-nham-giam-dong-nguoi-nhap-cu-ky-luc-post309462.html