The high commissioner for Samoa, Hinauri Petana, explained to federal politicians that financial barriers to studying in Australia were detrimental to educational outcomes in the Pacific. Ms. Petana advocated for Pacific Islanders to be considered domestic students under the Australian education system, thereby reducing the crippling cost of international student fees in Australia. She emphasized that while international rates should remain for students who can afford them, Pacific Islanders should have the opportunity to send their children to Australia at the same rates in order to obtain a quality education.
In addition, Ms. Petana urged for greater investment and assistance from Australia to aid in the development of educational infrastructure and opportunities in Pacific Island nations. Currently, Pacific Islanders make up less than one percent of international students in Australia, with only 7000 to 8000 people holding student visas. The underrepresentation of Pacific Islanders in Australian universities prompted Yves Lafoy, who represented New Caledonia, to propose the concept of a quota of Pacific students who could receive benefits as domestic students.
Moreover, supporting this initiative, a ballot visa for Pacific Islander nations was launched by the Labor government in 2023 to enable 3000 people per year to obtain permanent residency. This visa would allow students to pay domestic fees, access Commonwealth student loans, and receive financial benefits such as Youth Allowance. Despite this, there are still long wait times and high visa costs that hinder the integration and educational opportunities for Pacific Islanders in Australia. Luke Sheehy, chief executive of Universities Australia, expressed support for scholarships and educational programs aimed at encouraging and facilitating Pacific Islander students to pursue education in Australia.
Overall, there is widespread support for simplifying visa requirements and educational opportunities for Pacific Islanders in Australia, as it is recognized that these changes would be mutually beneficial for both the students and the Australian education system. There is a collective understanding of the importance of addressing financial and bureaucratic barriers to access quality education for Pacific Islanders in Australia.