Australian universities are currently analysing and preparing to respond to the proposed caps on international student enrolment. In light of these changes, we at Studymove are committed to supporting you through these challenging times.
For that reason, we shared our 4th Key Data Update of 2024 with our friends, clients and colleagues.
During our latest Key Data Update, we provided insights and data to help your institution respond to these changes effectively. You can see a summary and complete video of the session here.
We invite you to watch the complete video or see some of the highlights of our analysis below:
Recent Policy Changes
Over the past several months, we have witnessed significant policy shifts aimed at enhancing the integrity of the student visa system and, more recently, at restricting the number of international students. These changes have been rapid and sweeping, affecting various aspects of the student visa process, post-study work rights, and more.
New International Education Policy Framework
Impact of New Policies
The numbers speak volumes. From October 2023 to April 2024, only 180,000 student visas were granted compared to 312,000 during the same period the previous year—a nearly 50% reduction. This decline underscores the magnitude and rapid implementation of these policies.
Effects on student visas granted
The Proposed Legislation
The proposed cap on international student enrolments is perhaps the most significant change yet. This legislation aims to give the Minister of Education the power to set limits on the number of international students at both institutional and sectoral levels. The cap is expected to start in 2025, initially affecting new enrolments only.
Useful links for your analysis:
1. ESOS Amendment Bill DIGEST
An official summary of proposed amendments, consideration, key issues and more.
2. ESOS Amendment (Official Link)
Information on the progress of the proposed legislation, speeches and explanatory memorandum.
Amendment to ESOS Act
Data to Navigate the proposed caps on international student enrolments
Understanding and navigating these changes requires a data-driven approach. We believe that data on student housing will be important to enable more accurate data driven conversations with the Government in the process of establishing these caps. We suggest looking at the data sources below.
Useful links for your analysis:
4. SQM Research provides data on residential vacancy rates for main geographical areas and suburbs.
5. Corelogic provides data on rental vacancies by suburb
6. The Department of Education provides international enrolments and commencements by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian Statistical Geographic Standard (ASGS) Statistical Area Level 4 (SA4) region by state and sector.
7. QILT’s Student Experience Survey includes information on the accommodation experience of international students (page 35)
We highly recommend considering the Department of Education – Higher Education Statistics to complement your institutional analysis.
Studymove is committed to providing the data and insights needed to adapt to this evolving landscape.
Our comprehensive data sets on fees, scholarships, articulation agreements, and entry requirements are now available and can support institutions in strategic planning. Please contact us for further information or to purchase the various data sets.
We can also support your institution in developing a specific set of data to help shape your institutions future strategies and/or conversations with the Government regarding international student caps.
Exploring Alternatives in Response to Proposed Enrolment Caps
In light of the proposed caps on international student enrolments, we discussed several alternatives during our session. We understand that all this initiatives require further examination but could lead to a less disruptive and effective model.
• ATAR-Style Entry Requirement System:
Suggested by Dr Abul Rizvi
Instead of setting caps on international student enrolments, the government could implement an ATAR-style entry requirement system. This system would establish specific entry requirements that international students must meet, promoting quality over quantity. Such a system would help in planning and managing student recruitment processes more effectively while being less disruptive compared to enrolment caps
• Cap and Trace System:
Suggested by Prof. Andrew Norton
To mitigate the risk of breaching enrolment caps and the severe consequences that could follow, a cap and trace system could be introduced. This system would allow international students who cannot be accommodated in their preferred university due to caps to find alternative institutions without starting the application process from scratch. This would help maximize the existing cap and reduce disruptions.
• Consideration of Student Outflows:
The government could consider the net impact of student migration by taking into account both incoming international students and outgoing domestic students. In 2019, nearly 60,000 domestic students left Australia for international experiences.
This could lead to better graduates, a more attractive experience for Australian university students and increase the flow of Domestic students to Australian university campuses offshore boosting the efforts for transnational education in Australia.
• Creating a housing mitigation fund:
When universities surpass the international enrolment caps, instead of been penalised, they could pay a percentage of the international student revenue, above the limit, to support initiatives that mitigate the impact of housing in Australia.
The funds collected could be used to create incentives to families to host international students under homestay models or create scholarships to attract more students to regional areas with lower population density.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the potential implementation of these caps, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive.
Studymove can support your institution in developing a specific set of data to help shape your institutions future strategies and/or conversations with the Government regarding international student caps. Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss these options further. We are always happy to arrange an online chat to discuss your specific needs.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. We look forward to working together to navigate these challenges.
Please contact us to obtain more information: