Founder of Australia’s Student Loan Scheme Proposes Extra Tax on Overseas Students

The father of Australia’s student loan program, Professor Bruce Chapman from the Australian National University, has suggested implementing a levy on international students to support university research and alleviate immigration pressures. This proposal comes in response to the government’s decision to cap international student enrollments at 270,000 for 2025, causing concern among education providers about potential revenue losses. Chapman believes that imposing a levy on international student fees could provide additional funding for Australian universities without the need for enrollment caps. This idea aligns with a similar proposal made by CEO Matt Barrie, who suggested an “infrastructure levy” for overseas students to cover their share of infrastructure costs. Both Chapman and Barrie argue that current fees paid by international students are insufficient to support the services and infrastructure they utilize while studying in Australia. By imposing a levy, they aim to address this imbalance and ensure that all students contribute fairly to the costs associated with accommodating a growing population.

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