Overview

• The Coalition has announced a proposal to cap international student enrolments at 240,000 annually, with public universities limited to 115,000 and private/vocational institutions capped at 125,000.
• A 25% cap on the proportion of international students at public universities has been proposed, which would not apply to private universities or vocational providers.
• Visa application fees for international students would rise to $5,000 for Group of Eight universities and $2,500 for other institutions, with an additional $2,500 fee for students changing providers.
• The Coalition claims the measures aim to address housing affordability for Australians, but research from the University of South Australia disputes any link between international student numbers and rental costs.
• Critics, including the Group of Eight universities and the International Education Association of Australia, warn the policy could harm Australia's education sector and deter top international talent.