Australia Records 38% Drop in Student Visas in 2024

Australia’s international education sector has taken a surprising turn, with official data revealing a 38% decrease in student visas issued between October 2023 and August 2024. The country issued approximately 298,000 visas to foreign students during this period, a steep decline that has primarily affected students from countries like the Philippines, Colombia, and India. As education and visa requirements grow stricter, this trend raises questions about Australia’s future as a leading study destination.

Decline by Country: Filipino, Colombian, and Indian Students Most Affected

The impact of the student visa decline has not been uniform across all countries, with Filipino, Colombian, and Indian students facing the most significant challenges. According to government figures, Filipino student visas dropped by 67%, Colombian student visas by 62%, and Indian student visas by 56%. Vietnamese student visas also experienced a decline, dropping by 28%.

This drop reflects challenges prospective students face due to evolving visa policies, potentially making alternative study destinations more appealing. For many students, the increasing barriers could shift attention to countries offering more accessible and affordable visa and study options.

Education Sectors Facing the Steepest Reductions

Australia’s vocational and language education sectors have experienced the most significant setbacks. Vocational education and training programs saw a 57% reduction in student visa numbers, while English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) faced a 50% drop. University-level programs weren’t immune either, experiencing a 25% decline in visa approvals, showing that new visa conditions have affected diverse study options.

Key Drivers Behind Australia’s Student Visa Decline in 2024

Several recent policy changes have made it harder for many foreign students to meet Australia’s visa eligibility criteria, contributing to the sharp drop in numbers.

1. Increased Visa Application Fees
   On July 1, 2024, the fee for the student visa (subclass 500) doubled, rising from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. This fee hike was intended to fund integrity measures within Australia’s education system and discourage non-genuine applicants. However, the increased cost has added financial strain for prospective students, particularly those from developing countries, and has made Australia a less affordable choice for international education.
2. Stricter English Language Proficiency Standards
   As of early 2024, Australia raised the minimum English language proficiency requirement, increasing the minimum IELTS score from 5.5 to 6.0. This change in language requirements has likely limited access for students who previously met the requirements, affecting students particularly from non-English-speaking countries.
3. Higher Financial Requirements
   From May 10, 2024, students have been required to demonstrate greater financial resources, with a new benchmark of AUD 29,710 for first-year living expenses, up from AUD 24,505. This raised financial threshold has been challenging for students relying on family or personal savings, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Reduced Post-Study Work Rights
   Changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) have reduced the post-study work rights for international students. Now, bachelor’s and master’s graduates are limited to two-year work periods, which may make Australia less attractive for those seeking long-term employment opportunities.
5. ‘Genuine Student’ Requirement
   The Genuine Student (GS) requirement, introduced in March 2024, replaced the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) rule. Unlike the GTE, which focused on preventing education as a migration pathway, the GS requirement examines applicants’ academic history, future study plans, and career goals to ensure genuine intent to study. This change adds another layer of scrutiny, leading to fewer successful applications.
6. Restrictions on Onshore Visa Applications
   From July 2024, students on specific temporary visas, such as Visitor (subclass 600) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485), can no longer apply for a student visa from within Australia. The policy aims to prevent ‘visa hopping’ and ensure that applicants’ intentions align with Australia’s education and migration policies.

These evolving policies reflect Australia’s intent to focus on genuine students, but they also introduce new obstacles that may divert international students to other destinations.

Is Australia Still a Top Choice for International Students?

Despite these challenges, Australia’s international student population remains substantial. As of July 2024, around 944,000 international students were studying in Australia, marking a 14% increase from the same period in 2023. This indicates that although fewer new visas are being issued, Australia continues to host a robust international student community.

Future Outlook: Australia’s New Cap on International Student Enrolments

In addition to the changes above, the Australian government recently announced a cap on international student enrolments starting in 2025. This cap will limit new enrolments to 270,000 across universities and vocational training providers. “There are about 10% more international students in our universities today than before the pandemic and about 50% more in private vocational providers,” Education Minister Jason Clare commented.

Under this new system, universities with high numbers of international students will face additional restrictions. Approximately 30,000 spots under the cap will be reserved for universities, while 95,000 will be allocated to vocational training. This measure aims to balance the growth of international enrolments and enhance support for students already in the country.

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