Labor to Introduce Legislation to Regulate International Student Numbers in Australia
Labor is set to bring new legislation that could significantly impact the number of international students in Australia. The move comes as the Albanese Labor government aims to stabilize foreign migration numbers and crack down on unscrupulous education providers. The legislation will grant the Education Minister the power to set limits on the number of new international student enrollments that education providers can offer. These limits will be based on advice from the Minister for Skills and Training. The aim is to ensure the integrity, quality, and sustainability of the international education sector.
Concerns About Shonky Providers and Dodgy Practices
The Australian government’s education department reported that there were 662,895 foreign students in Australia between January and February 2024. The majority of these students came from China, followed by India and Nepal. The legislation aims to address concerns about “shonky” providers and dodgy practices. It will also prevent education providers from owning education agencies and pause applications for registration from new international education providers and new courses for up to 12 months. New providers seeking registration will need to demonstrate a proven record of high-quality educational services to domestic students before recruiting from overseas.
Improved Data Sharing and Prohibition on Agent Commissions
The legislation also seeks to improve the sharing of data relating to education agents. Additionally, it will prohibit agent commissions on student transfers between providers to discourage “poaching” of students. These measures are intended to ensure that the international education sector operates in a more sustainable and reputable manner.
Implications for Universities and Student Accommodation
If universities wish to enroll international students above the set limit, they will be required to establish additional purpose-built student accommodation to alleviate pressure on the rental market. This provision aims to balance the need for international students with the availability of suitable accommodation.
Support and Concerns from Industry Stakeholders
The Group of Eight (Go8), which educates one in three international students, supports the government’s efforts to bring back legitimacy to the industry. However, Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson emphasizes the need for nuanced policy settings that consider the diverse situations in different parts of Australia. The International Education Association of Australia CEO Phil Honeywood expresses concerns about potential policy overreach and its impact on Australia’s reputation as a welcoming and safe study destination. He also highlights the importance of foreign student income for universities that have faced government cuts.
Government’s Strategy to Manage Migration
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a significant increase in migrant arrivals in Australia in 2022-23. In response, the Labor government released a new migration strategy aimed at decreasing migration levels and focusing on skills that can benefit the nation. The legislation regulating international student numbers is part of this broader strategy to manage migration more effectively.
Conclusion
Labor’s new legislation to regulate international student numbers in Australia reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the international education sector. By granting the Education Minister powers to set limits on enrollments and implementing measures to address dodgy practices, the government aims to protect both international students and the reputation of Australian universities. While industry stakeholders have expressed support for the government’s efforts, concerns remain about potential policy overreach and the impact on universities’ financial sustainability. Ultimately, finding the right balance between attracting international students and maintaining the quality of education will be crucial for Australia’s future as a leading study destination.
