International Student Numbers in Steep Decline
New data confirms what many in the sector have feared, international student enrolments in Australia are falling sharply.
- Overall new enrolments are down 16% compared to last year.
- The hardest hit is the English language (ELICOS) sector, with a staggering 38% decline.
- For the first time in history all the ducation sectors, including schools, VET, higher ed, and ELICOS are down.
The main culprit Australia now charges the world’s highest non-refundable visa application fee:
- July 2024: fee jumped from $710 → $1600
- July 2025: another 25% increase → $2000
While total enrolments remain high, commencements are falling, colleges are closing, and experts warn this is damaging Australia’s education brand.
Industry voices are raising alarms:
- Phil Honeywood (IEAA): “We are doing damage to brand Australia, particularly in our own region.”
- Ian Aird (English Australia): Visa costs, refusals, and confusion are cutting jobs (3,000–5,000 lost) and hitting tourism, hospitality, and Australia’s global reputation.
- Luke Sheehy (Universities Australia): Stable and welcoming policy settings are critical if Australia wants to remain competitive.
International education isn’t just about classrooms, it is the Australia’s fourth-largest export, worth over $50 billion. It supports local jobs, communities, and soft diplomacy worldwide.
By reshaping its immigration and education policies, Australia has the opportunity to secure its place in the global talent race. Prioritising international students in STEM and Business programs will strengthen the nation’s future workforce with innovators and entrepreneurs, while streamlining skilled migration pathways for trades and service staff will ensure vital support for infrastructure, healthcare, and community services, keeping GDP growth balanced as high-skill sectors expand.
#InternationalEducation #Australia #VisaPolicy #HigherEd #ELICOS #StudentVisa #Educli #Edtech