Despite stringent regulation revisions, Australia sets a new record for the number of student visas issued. Examine how, despite discussions about migration, international education flourishes.

Despite a number of regulatory changes intended to curb the number of international students enrolling, Australia has seen record-breaking student visa issuances. Given that overseas education is still a crucial topic in the run-up to the federal election, these developments underscore the difficulties that the government and educational institutions face.

Track the Growth of International Students and Visa Issuances

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ most recent figures, a record 17,000 student visas were issued to applicants to international universities in November 2024. Since mid-2024, monthly visa issuances have continuously exceeded pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the tenacity of foreign student flows. With more than two-thirds of all visa approvals going to higher education, this sector remains dominant.

Changes in Policy to Control Enrolments

In order to address the enrolling of international students, the Australian government has made a number of policy reforms since December 2023, including:

• Enhanced Needs for Funding: The financial capability requirements for applicants have been tightened.
• Increased Visa Costs: The cost of applying for a visa has risen.
• Processing Reprioritization: Administrative difficulties were increased as a result of delays and a larger percentage of visa rejections.

These actions were taken in response to mounting worries about the burden on urban infrastructure and housing shortages, which opposition parties have harshly criticized.

Impact on the Housing Market and Political Backlash

Ahead of the general election, the opposition has taken advantage of the migrant controversy by blaming rising student enrolment for housing shortages. To relieve pressure on the rental market, opposition leaders have suggested tighter restrictions on the number of overseas students enrolled.

The data indicates a different picture, even if the government blames migration rises on fewer departures rather than a notable increase in arrivals. More than 20,000 cases are pending review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal as a record number of students contest visa denials. Interestingly, two-thirds of these denials have been reversed.

Student Techniques and Changing Patterns

In order to prolong their stay in Australia, international students have implemented the following strategies:

• Taking Up New Courses: To stay in the nation while having a valid visa.
• Requesting asylum: International student asylum applications have increased dramatically, peaking at 516 per month in August 2024—the most in more than three decades.

Visa approvals may also be impacted by the late December 2024 replacement of Ministerial Direction 107 with Direction 111. Some stakeholders say processing times have improved, but others say the pace is still slower than in prior years.

Issues with Foreign Education

As schools get closer to reaching caps on overseas enrolment, education providers are keeping a careful eye on the situation. Visa processing slows down when 80 percent of the cap is met, which raises questions about how hiring managers will deal with these restrictions.

Universities and colleges that depend on overseas enrolment face difficulties due to the uncertainty surrounding future policy changes, which could have long-term effects on Australia’s higher education system.