Go8, Private and VET Providers Hit By International Student Caps

Rhiannon Down, Reporter — 25 September 2024

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Article Extract:

The nation’s top research universities and private and vocational providers have been hit hardest by Labor’s push to slash international student numbers, with regional institu­tions coming out on top in the carve-up of foreign student alloca­tions.

Under the Albanese government’s bid to limit international student numbers to 270,000 next year to bring down net migration and ease pressure on the housing market, vocational education and training providers will have their numbers cut by 32 per cent from their 2023 intake.

As Education Minister Jason Clare ploughs ahead with the government’s plan to implement the caps ahead of the start of the academic year, data tabled in the Senate shows that private universities and non-university higher education providers will have their number cut by 26 per cent overall compared with this year.

The data also unveiled the estimated allocations for 957 VET providers including TAFEs and private training organisations, with the caps for next year signifying a 9 per cent increase for the sector as a whole. However, next year’s allocation will see enrolments fall 32 per cent from 2023 overseas student numbers.

Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia chief executive Troy Williams said the caps were the equivalent of “shutting the doors” to overseas students who wanted to come to Australia, endangering the hundreds of jobs in the sector.

“The Australian government’s approach to international education will be remembered for destroying jobs of hardworking Australians and tarnishing our reputation overseas as a welcoming destination for international students,” he said.

“The impact of these cuts on the number of international students able to come to Australia is staggering with up to 300 independent colleges expected to close,’’ said Troy Williams, ITECA chief executive.

“Their employees will lose their jobs, as will other employees in colleges that will have to scale down to survive.’’