RMIT’s vice-chancellor proposes that universities should limit the proportion of international students to one-third of their total student population. This recommendation is aimed at avoiding financial and operational difficulties exacerbated by visa uncertainties and broader impacts on the higher education sector.

 

Recently, RMIT’s vice-chancellor and the vice-chancellor of Deakin University have advocated for limiting the proportion of international students to no more than one-third of the total student body in Australian universities. This recommendation addresses mounting apprehensions within the higher education sector, contrasting with the federal government’s proposed flexible enrollment caps. The rationale behind this proposal is to mitigate financial pressures and operational complexities exacerbated by fluctuating international student numbers. These discussions highlight ongoing efforts to manage and stabilize university demographics amid evolving regulatory landscapes and sector-wide challenges.

The vice-chancellor asserted that implementing a limit on international student enrollments would alleviate the financial and operational strains faced by universities. He highlighted that allowing up to half of the student body to be international students negatively impacts the sector. Despite recognizing the drawbacks of imposing such a cap, he underscored the necessity for a structured and foreseeable approach, contrasting with the current unpredictable visa processing system.

The recommendation arises against the backdrop of considerable transformations and difficulties in the higher education domain. Recent stringent measures on migration resulted in delays and cancellations of visas, prompting universities to undergo risk assessments. Notably, international students comprise 47% of the University of Sydney’s student population and more than 35% at several esteemed Group of Eight (Go8) universities like the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Queensland. In contrast, RMIT’s local student body includes 24% international students.

Opponents of the proposed cap argue that it oversimplifies a multifaceted issue. The vice-chancellor of the University of Sydney pointed out that research-intensive universities often rely on international student fees to help fill gaps in research funding, as outlined in the Australian Universities Accord.

Recent changes in visa processing policies by the federal government have disproportionately affected smaller to medium-sized universities, which tend to enroll a higher proportion of students categorized as “high risk” by government criteria. This has resulted in record-low approval rates for student visas, particularly impacting applicants from countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Further complicating matters, the government recently raised the international student visa application fee to $1,600, doubling its previous cost. This decision has faced criticism from the International Education Association of Australia, which argues that it adds significant pressure on the sector already grappling with numerous challenges.

The Go8 universities, which have a substantial number of students from China (viewed as a lower-risk country), have experienced less disruption due to recent immigration reforms. Nevertheless, the chief executive of the Go8 cautioned that limiting international student numbers to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to notable financial repercussions and job losses. This would not only impact the wider economy and availability of skilled workers but also potentially harm Australia’s global standing in the education sector.

The ongoing discussion highlights the intricate challenge of upholding educational excellence, ensuring financial resilience, and navigating intricate immigration regulations. Advocates for limiting international student enrollments aim to tackle these multifaceted issues, striving for a sustainable and fair path forward for Australia’s higher education sector.