Australia experienced a notable shift in its migration patterns during the 2023/24 period, with international student arrivals declining sharply by 25%. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the number of student visa holders arriving in the country fell from 278,000 in 2022/23 to 207,000. This drop follows the implementation of reforms aimed at tightening Australia’s international education policies, including stricter English-language proficiency and financial requirements, as well as the Genuine Student Test. These measures aim to filter applicants whose primary goal is working rather than studying.
Despite the decline, international students remain the largest group of migrant arrivals. In 2023/24, they accounted for 39.5% of Australia’s net overseas migration. This marks their lowest proportion, excluding the pandemic years, since 2016/17. Overall net overseas migration in 2023/24 stood at 446,000, down from 536,000 in 2022/23. This 10% decrease in arrivals coincides with an 8% rise in migrant departures, particularly among temporary visa holders.
Jenny Dobak, ABS head of migration statistics, noted that the trend reflects a return to pre-pandemic migration dynamics after a surge in arrivals following the reopening of borders. Departures among temporary student visa holders, for instance, doubled compared to the previous year.
Troy Williams, CEO of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), highlighted the data’s importance in reshaping perceptions of the skills training sector. Contrary to recent criticism, international higher education students accounted for 71.3% of student arrivals, while skills training students contributed just 9.3%. Williams emphasized the need for balanced discourse around international education’s role in migration policy.
The sector now awaits clarification on changes to Ministerial Direction 107, which could influence future enrolments. Despite current challenges, the government maintains its target of 270,000 new overseas students by 2025. This evolving narrative underscores the significance of international education within Australia’s economic and social framework.
