Australia Follows Canada: Puts Limit on International Students | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by international students, particularly from India, seeking higher education abroad. It highlights Australia's decision to cap the number of international students at 270,000 in 2025, affecting higher and vocational education. The move is attributed to political reasons amid a housing crisis and rising anti-migrant sentiment. The summary warns that international students are becoming soft targets for governments looking to appease local populations, hinting at potential difficulties for students even after obtaining study permits.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Over a million Indians seek higher education abroad annually, predominantly in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• 🏫 Indians are among the most common foreign students in these countries, second only to students from China, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
• 📉 Australia has capped the number of international students to 270,000 starting next year, including both higher education and vocational courses.
• 🏛️ Public universities in Australia will be allowed to admit 145,000 students, private universities 30,000, and vocational education institutions 95,000.
• 🏙️ The Australian government's decision is influenced by a housing crisis and rising rents, which are blamed on migrants by locals.
• 📉 Canada has also reduced study permits for international students by 35%, targeting foreign students amidst a similar housing crisis.
• 💰 International students contribute significantly to the economies of host countries, with Australia's education sector earning nearly $25 billion in 2022-23.
• 🏦 The political climate in Australia and Canada, with upcoming elections, is driving policies that aim to appease locals by targeting migrants, including international students.
• 🎯 For prospective international students, the current policies highlight the vulnerability of being a 'soft target' for governments facing domestic issues.
• 🔄 Despite potential restrictions, the pursuit of better economic opportunities abroad remains a gamble for international students, who are at the mercy of host country policies.
• 🌳 The script also touches on environmental initiatives and the T20 World Cup, suggesting a broader range of topics covered by the news source.

Q & A

Why are many Indians pursuing higher education abroad?

Indians are among the most common foreign students in countries like the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia due to the high-quality education and opportunities these countries offer.

What is the recent policy change regarding international students in Australia?

Australia has put a cap on the number of international students, limiting it to 270,000 starting a course in 2025, which includes both higher education and vocational education and training courses.

How is the cap on international students distributed among different types of educational institutions in Australia?

Public universities are allowed to take 145,000 students, private universities can bring in 30,000, and vocational education institutions will get 95,000 each.

What is the impact of the cap on individual colleges and training institutes in Australia?

Each individual college and training institute, such as Melbourne University and Sydney University, will have its own limit, which they are currently studying to understand the impact.

Why did Canada also put a limit on student enrollments?

Canada decreased study permits for international students by 35%, seemingly targeting foreign students due to similar political and social pressures as in Australia.

What economic contribution do international students make to Australia?

International students brought in almost $25 billion to Australia's economy in the 2022-23 fiscal year, making education the country's fourth-largest export.

What is the political reason behind limiting international students in Australia and Canada?

Both countries face a housing crisis and rising rents, and the locals blame migrants, including international students, for these issues. The governments are responding to this anti-migrant sentiment ahead of upcoming elections.

How might the new policies affect international students' job prospects after graduation?

The policies could make it more difficult for international students to find jobs after graduation, as the scope of restrictions might widen to include temporary foreign workers.

What advice does the script offer to those considering studying abroad?

The script suggests that international students are currently soft targets for governments facing housing problems and that studying abroad has always been a gamble, with students at the mercy of host countries.

What broader implications does the script suggest for international students seeking a life abroad?

The script implies that while the pursuit of a better life abroad is a powerful motivator, international students should be aware of the increasing challenges and uncertainties they may face.

How does the script describe the role of international students in subsidizing local education?

The script explains that international students pay higher tuition fees, which in turn subsidize the education of local students.