The Coalition party in Australia has proposed a strategy to reduce the number of overseas students by 80,000 annually. They claim that this action will relieve young Australians' housing-related stress.

Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, declared that the number of foreign students enrolled in public colleges would be limited to about 25%. If elected, the Coalition will cap the annual number of overseas students admitted to 240,000. Labor's cap of 270,000, starting in 2025, is 30,000 more than that.

New Limits and Higher Fees for Students

The plan calls for public colleges to admit no more than 115,000 new international students annually. A total of 125,000 would be allowed among VET and private colleges.

The Coalition has also suggested significant fee increases. Student visa applicants to highly regarded Group of Eight universities will pay $5,000, and all other overseas students will pay $2,500.

Students will be charged an additional $2,500 if they change their educational provider. The post-study employment visa is scheduled for review. The goal is to prevent anyone from using it as a "loophole" to enter or remain permanently in Australia.

Dutton justified the modifications as essential. He asserted that the current rate of migration is "unsustainable." He claims this strategy aims to facilitate Australians' early entry into the home market.

Criticism From the Greens and the University Sector

Reaction to the announcement has been negative. Blaming students and migrants for the housing problem was deemed "cynical" by the Greens.

According to Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi, both main parties use international students as scapegoats. She identified the true problem as the government's continuous inability to construct adequate public housing.

Universities criticized the proposal as well. According to Universities Australia, less than 6% of the rental market comprises students. They cautioned that rather than improving housing, the changes would hurt the economy.

Vicki Thomson, CEO of the Group of Eight, called the policy "misguided." According to her, it unfairly singles out Australia's best universities, which attract top talent worldwide.

The Australian Business Council expressed similar worries. They cautioned that the restrictions would harm foreign education, one of the nation's largest export markets.

The Coalition went on to defend the modifications. According to Dutton, fewer students would mean less traffic in the city and lower fuel expenses. He asserted that by reducing their commute, students might save about $30 on gas per week.

Despite those assertions, new research indicates no clear correlation between the increase in international students and growing rental prices.

However, this idea would impose stricter limitations and higher prices on international students. Furthermore, detractors contend that more homes, not fewer students, are the proper solution to the housing crisis.

FAQS

What is the global comparison of the new visa fee plan?

If it were to be adopted, Australia would have the highest student visa fees in the world. Top institutions charge AUD$5,000, much more than what is charged in the US, Canada, or the UK. As a result, Australia may become less appealing as a study-abroad location, particularly for students from low-income families.

Will these changes have an impact on students who are already in Australia?

Although the proposal focuses on new applications and commencements, the increased AUD$2,500 transfer fee may make it difficult for enrolled students to shift providers. Changes to their post-study work rights may also affect their intentions for future employment and immigration.