Australia emerged as a prime destination for Ali Bajwa, a Pakistani native, who pursued a doctorate in agricultural science, attracted by the nation's cutting-edge research and welcoming attitude towards international students. A decade after his arrival, Bajwa has established his life in Australia, becoming a naturalized citizen, working for the state government, and currently teaching at La Trobe University in Melbourne.
However, prospective international students now confront a changing landscape. Political figures from both major parties are advocating for caps on the number of international students as a response to the housing crisis, which is a significant concern for voters ahead of the upcoming election. This proposal aims to lessen demand for rental properties and affordable homes, marking a notable shift in Australia’s approach to international education, once viewed as a key growth sector.
Bajwa criticized the idea of blanket limits, suggesting that improving selection criteria would be more beneficial than capping numbers. Last year, the government attempted to impose limits but was unsuccessful. In response to rising concerns, it has since increased visa fees and slowed processing times, resulting in fewer international students arriving in Australia.
The opposition party plans to introduce severe restrictions, proposing a reduction of 30,000 students, with a new annual cap of 240,000 new arrivals, as well as raising maximum visa fees significantly. Australia had previously relaxed entry restrictions during the pandemic to attract international students, leading to a significant enrollment increase.
Immigration has historically contributed to Australia’s labor market and youthful demographic, with about 30 percent of the population born overseas. However, attitudes toward international students are shifting globally, with countries like the United States and Canada also tightening their visa policies.
International students, who are often charged higher tuition fees and contribute significantly to university revenues, have been viewed as an economic asset. Yet, the post-pandemic surge in their numbers coincides with a severe housing affordability crisis in Australia, where home values have increased dramatically, with Sydney ranked as the second least-affordable city globally for housing.
Political leaders are facing pressure from constituents concerned about home affordability, leading to a narrative suggesting that international students are contributing to the housing shortage. Experts, however, believe that recent spikes in international student numbers are largely an anomaly related to the pandemic and caution against using caps as a long-term solution.
Critics point out that international students typically occupy rental housing that would not be in high demand from first-time home buyers. Many of these students express a desire to contribute positively to Australian society, often aiming to work in the country or return home with valuable knowledge gained from their studies.