Student Cap Policies Wifully Weakening Economy

Natasha Bita, Reporter — 13 September 2024

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Article Extract:

Pilot training schools have warned they are on the verge of collapse, as they suffer collateral damage from the federal government’s cap on foreign student enrolments.

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia has told the government that “without steady and sustainable enrolment levels of overseas students, a significant number will be unable to survive the financial pressures’’.

“The aviation training sector relies heavily on international student enrolments to maintain ­operational viability,’’ ITECA chief executive Troy Williams states in a letter to federal Transport Minister Catherine King.

“By capping international student numbers, Australia risks significantly reducing the supply of qualified pilots, leaving airlines unable to meet demand. The shortage of pilots is already a critical issue for airlines worldwide.’’’

Regional Aviation Association of Australia chief executive Rob Walker said some of the 10 flight training schools he represented would only be permitted to train one or two foreign pilots next year. He said the trainee pilots were sent to Australia by major international airlines and did not enrol ­independently.

“I’m aware of a number of ­organisations that have been ­offered one or two positions when previously they have had 100 positions,’’ he said. “We could see a reduction in the number of flight instructors, as well as pilots graduating and available for airlines.’’