International Student Cap and Visa Hurdles for 2025

Harder to Study in Australia: International Student Cap and Visa Hurdles for 2025

For international students eyeing Australia as their next destination for higher education, 2025 is shaping up to be a more challenging year. The Australian government has announced a series of measures that will restrict the number of international students allowed to enroll in Australian universities, alongside steep increases in student visa fees and additional financial requirements. These changes, along with other policy adjustments, are making it harder to study in Australia for students compared to previous years.

International Student Cap for 2025: A Reduction in Numbers

On August 27, 2024, Australian Federal Education Minister Jason Clare announced that the government would introduce a cap on the number of new international students that could be admitted to the country in 2025. The new policy sets the total number of international students allowed for admission at 270,000, a reduction of almost 20,000 compared to the previous year.

As of May 2024, Australia had seen a significant increase in international student enrollments. The total number of international students across various sectors—universities, vocational education and training (VET), schools, English language courses, and non-award programs—had reached 810,960. This marked a 17% increase from the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, indicating a growing demand for Australian education. This surge builds on the Australia intake for international students 2022, reflecting the ongoing recovery and attractiveness of Australia as a top destination for global learners.

Under the new cap, publicly funded Australian universities will only be able to admit around 145,000 new international students in 2025, which aligns with the student intake numbers for 2023. VET courses, which provide training for skilled professions, will have a separate allocation of 95,000 students. This move is designed to return Australia’s international student enrollment numbers to pre-pandemic levels.

Controversy and Reactions from Universities

The government’s decision to impose an international student cap has sparked backlash from many leading Australian universities. On the same day the cap was announced, the University of Melbourne, Australia’s highest-ranked institution according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, issued a public statement expressing concern.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell stated that the university had received information about the international student cap at the same time as the public announcement, but without prior consultation or discussion. The university criticized the lack of transparency around the methodology used to determine the new limits and expressed its opposition to the policy. This statement aligns with the growing concerns raised in Australia student visa news 2023, as universities and stakeholders call for more transparency and better collaboration in shaping policies affecting international students.

"The University remains strongly opposed to this cap on international student enrollments," the statement read. "It is staggering that we continue to have this debate while there is apparently no serious intent to address really major reform issues."

In the second statement:

In the second statement, issued on September 9, 2024, the University of Melbourne revealed that the cap would only allow for the enrollment of 9,300 new international students in 2025. This was a sharp decline from the 10,400 new students the university had enrolled in 2024 and was significantly lower than their projected growth to over 11,000 students for the upcoming year.

Monash University, Australia’s largest university with a presence on three continents, echoed similar concerns. In a statement released on August 27, 2024, Monash University confirmed that it had received information about the international student cap on the same day as the public announcement. The university indicated that it was working to understand the rationale behind the figures provided by the government and would continue to advocate for policies that recognize the important contributions of international students to Australian society. This response highlights the growing importance of Australia news for international students 2024 as universities navigate these policy changes.

Both universities highlighted that the government’s decision would have significant, negative consequences on their international student enrollment numbers, affecting their financial stability, diversity, and global reputation.

Increasing Visa Fees and Financial Requirements

As if the international student cap wasn’t enough of a challenge, the Australian government has also increased the financial barriers to studying in the country. In July 2024, the government announced that it would double the non-refundable student visa application fee, raising it from 710 Australian dollars (about US$477) to 1,600 Australian dollars (approximately US$1,056). This sharp increase in visa fees is likely to discourage many international students from applying for study visas, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.

Additionally, the Australian government has raised the amount of proof of savings that applicants must demonstrate in order to qualify for a student visa. Effective from May 10, 2024, the required amount of funds was increased from 24,505 AUD (US$16,200) to 29,710 AUD (US$19,641). This new requirement is designed to ensure that students can financially support themselves during their studies, but it also adds a significant financial burden on prospective students. This change is part of the Australia latest news for international students today, as the government continues to adjust policies affecting international student enrollment and financial eligibility.

In another change, the government replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) test with a new requirement called the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which came into effect on March 23, 2024. This new requirement asks students to answer questions about their study intentions and economic circumstances, and they must declare that they understand the meaning of being a genuine student. This shift is part of the government's strategy to curb student visa fraud but also adds complexity to the visa application process.

Studying in Australia Without Going to Australia

For those who are still determined to earn a degree from an Australian university but are unable to meet the new requirements or gain entry under the student cap, there is an alternative option: studying at an overseas campus. Many Australian universities operate international branch campuses in various countries, which offer the same high-quality education and degrees as their home campuses.

Monash University is a prime example of an institution with an extensive global presence. The university has campuses in Malaysia, Indonesia, and China, as well as partnerships with universities in India, which offer students the opportunity to earn a Monash degree without leaving their home country. Students enrolled in these overseas campuses benefit from the same curriculum, teaching standards, and academic qualifications as those studying in Australia. This global expansion reflects the evolving Australia news for international students, as more universities explore international campuses and partnerships to ensure access to quality education while navigating changing visa and enrollment policies.

Other Australian universities:

Other Australian universities, such as RMIT University, Deakin University, Murdoch University, Curtin University, and the University of Wollongong, also have international campuses across multiple countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius, India, and Hong Kong. These campuses are an excellent option for students who want the Australian education experience but are unable to navigate the challenges posed by the new student cap and visa fees.

In September 2024, the Australian state of Victoria, which is home to major universities like the University of Melbourne and Monash University, announced that it would provide cash incentives to universities and technical education institutions to set up campuses and educate students overseas. The goal is to circumvent the international student cap while continuing to offer quality education to international students. This initiative is especially important for Victoria, which accounts for 30% of Australia’s international student enrollment. This development is a key part of the ongoing Australia international students news, as the state seeks innovative solutions to maintain its global educational presence.

Why Studying in Australia Is More Challenging in 2024 and Beyond

The Australian government’s decision to cap the number of international students and raise visa fees is part of a broader effort to curb net migration into the country. In 2022-2023, net migration to Australia reached an all-time high of 528,000, prompting the government to take action to reduce this figure. The new policies, including the increased visa fees and financial requirements, are designed to bring net migration numbers down to 260,000 for 2024-2025.

This shift in policy has made studying in Australia significantly more expensive and competitive for international students. While total universities in Australia continue to attract a large number of international students, the government’s measures aim to limit the flow of students, particularly to ease pressure on infrastructure, housing, and social services. These steps are intended to manage the increasing demand while ensuring the sustainability of essential services for both local and international communities.

Conclusion

For international students aspiring to study in Australia, the 2025 academic year presents a range of new challenges. The government’s decision to cap student enrollments, increase visa fees, and raise proof of financial support requirements, as part of recent Australia student visa news, will make it harder for many students to pursue their education in Australia. Universities have voiced their concerns, noting the negative impact these measures will have on their international student intake, and have called for more consultation with the government.

However, for those determined to study in Australia, alternative options such as attending overseas campuses or enrolling in Australian universities’ international branch campuses may provide a viable pathway. The government's measures also highlight the growing global competition for international students, as universities around the world seek to attract talent in an increasingly restrictive environment.

Ultimately, prospective international students need to carefully assess their options, including the financial implications and visa requirements, before deciding whether to pursue their education in Australia or explore other international study destinations.