Despite numerous policy changes intended to curb international student enrollments in Australia, the issuance of student visas soared to unprecedented levels, with nearly 17,000 being granted in November 2024 alone. Monthly figures have remained at or near record highs, significantly surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. While the government faces criticism from the opposition over rising student numbers attributed to past policies, many changes have failed to suppress demand, and the discussion is intensifying as the nation approaches upcoming federal elections focused on migration.
Visa grants to would-be university students applying from overseas reached an all-time high of almost 17,000 in November, the latest month for which Department of Home Affairs statistics are available.
The figures show that student flows have weathered some 10 separate policy changes unleashed to dampen overseas enrollments since December 2023.
Liberal leader Peter Dutton promised 'stricter caps on foreign students to relieve stress on city rental markets' during an election campaign rally on Jan. 12.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the backlog of international students contesting their visa refusals in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal had doubled.
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