International students and university representatives have voiced their concerns regarding the cap on international students in tertiary institutions.
The Federal Government recently announced international students in Australia will be limited to 270,000 from 2025.
However, students previously enrolled in tertiary or vocational training education will remain unaffected.
Compared to last year’s numbers, government figures show there will be a decrease of just over fifty thousand international students in 2025 due to the cap.
University of Wollongong’s Pulse group representative Kamakshi Ahuja said she was disheartened by the news being an international student herself.
“It’s, of course, sad to see there will be fewer international students compared to last year,” Miss Ahuja said.
“I remember last year, I saw so many international students at university events and things, it’s upsetting to know the opportunity to study won’t be the same next year.”
National Tertiary Education Union ACT division secretary Dr Lachlan Clohsey said universities like ANU and others, are already under financial stress and the cap on international student enrolments will only add to the issue.
“Universities, over a long period of time have been forced to look for alternative revenue streams, that’s because of deficiencies in federal government funding,” Mr Clohsey said.
“So of course, universities, over a long period of time, have had to look elsewhere for revenue streams and international students are a large part of that.”
Additionally, concerns have also been raised about how this might affect previously enrolled students who want to transition into a postgraduate degree or want to study at a different institution.
The Federal Government has confirmed that students already enrolled will not be affected but is yet to address these more specific issues.
“Take a break down under” at the University of Wollongong is an international cultural event aimed at welcoming international students.
Offering a diverse range of all-Australian activities that hopes to introduce students to the country’s culture.
University of Wollongong’s Pulse spokesperson said the benefits of being involved in events provided international students an opportunity to mingle, learn about each other’s cultures, and make some new friends.
However, with individual caps to be applied to institutions individually in the next few months, cultural opportunities may also be reduced.
The exact limit for each institution is yet to be announced.