Despite the large number of international students in Australia, only 16 percent become permanent residents. Arrivals of international students in Australia have increased in August but have not yet returned to pre-COVID levels. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), a total of 48,770 international students arrived in Australia in August, which is 8,120 students higher compared with the same month of the previous year. However, this figure is still 11.3 percent lower than pre-COVID levels seen in August 2019.
The ABS provided further details, stating that out of the total international student arrivals, 28,140 students will take up higher education programs, 10,180 will pursue vocational education and training, and 2,430 will join postgraduate research programs.
Despite the high number of international students in Australia, only 28 percent of them utilize their post-study rights and a mere 16 percent become permanent residents, according to Universities Australia. The CEO of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson, highlighted that the current visa system discourages these talented individuals from staying and using their Australian education in their chosen fields. She urged the government to address this issue in its new migration strategy.
Ms. Jackson emphasized that Australia is facing skills shortages that cannot be addressed by the domestic population alone. Therefore, the visa system needs to be reformed to make it more accessible for international students to join Australia’s workforce, particularly in sectors experiencing skills shortages. She stressed the crucial role international students play in Australia’s skills mix, their contribution to the economy, and their ability to strengthen the communities they join.
A report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) revealed that 36 percent of evaluated occupations are in national shortage, which is 5 percent higher than the skills priority list in 2022. Occupations such as aged and disabled carers, retail managers, primary and secondary school teachers, truck drivers, electricians, child care workers, sales and marketing managers, carpenters, and chefs are among the top 20 employing occupations in shortage.
JSA emphasized the need to develop a roadmap that allows international students to play a significant role in enhancing Australia’s skills profile as permanent migrants. Collaboration between vocational and higher education sectors, as well as with industry, is necessary to achieve this goal. An efficient migration system will also support these efforts, according to JSA’s Acting Commissioner Peter Dawkins.
In response to these developments, the Australian government has implemented specific measures to protect the welfare of international students. Minister for Education Jason Clare announced that the work hours cap for international students has been reduced to 48 hours per fortnight from 40 hours per fortnight pre-pandemic. This step aims to reduce the incentive to obtain a student visa solely for work purposes. Additionally, the government has increased the required savings amount to $24,505 for visa applicants, ensuring their ability to support themselves and reducing the risk of exploitation.
Overall, while international student arrivals in Australia have increased, the low percentage of students utilizing their post-study rights and becoming permanent residents indicates the need for reforms in the visa system. These reforms can address skills shortages, support the economy, and provide opportunities for international students to contribute to Australia’s workforce.