Universities Australia has issued a warning that new legislation could have a detrimental impact on the international education sector in the country. According to the peak higher education body, the international education sector played a crucial role in preventing Australia from entering a recession last year.
The Labor government has proposed new legislation to limit the number of overseas students that each Australian higher education institution can enroll annually. The aim is to enhance the “quality and integrity” of the sector. However, stakeholders have expressed concerns that this legislation could harm the industry’s reputation and have negative consequences on education service providers, employment opportunities, and international students.
During a Senate inquiry hearing on Aug. 6, CEO Luke Sheehy emphasized the significance of the international education sector to Australia’s economy. He stated, “International students contributed more than half of Australia’s GDP growth last year, essentially saving the nation from recession. The sector is the second-largest export, valued at almost $50 billion and supporting approximately 250,000 jobs.”
Despite the sector’s economic contribution, Sheehy pointed out that it has been unfairly treated by the government. He mentioned a significant decrease in visa grants to higher education, resulting in a loss of international enrolments and a negative impact on the economy and jobs. The CEO criticized the government’s approach to international education, even before the introduction of the new legislation.
Sheehy also criticized the new bill as a “political smoke screen” designed to gain an advantage in the migration debate with the Opposition before the upcoming federal election. He expressed concerns about the bill granting excessive powers to the education minister to regulate the industry and shifting blame for housing issues onto international students.
Data from the Education Department showed a significant increase in international student enrolments, despite challenges in migration control. Sheehy highlighted the importance of the international education industry and questioned the government’s treatment of it compared to other major export industries.
Meanwhile, a group manager at the Home Affairs Department, Tara Cavanagh, raised integrity concerns within the sector. She highlighted instances of exploitation of overseas students and actors attempting to misuse Australia’s migration and education systems for purposes other than study. Cavanagh emphasized the need to maintain integrity in the education sector while remaining globally competitive.
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