When Ali Bajwa from Pakistan decided to pursue a doctorate in agricultural science, Australia was his first choice. The country offered advanced research opportunities, prestigious universities, and a welcoming environment for international students, with education being regarded as one of Australia’s most valuable exports.
A decade ago, Bajwa settled in Australia, focusing his studies on weed control. He and his family eventually became naturalized citizens. After years of working for the state government in the rural town of Wagga Wagga and advancing his research in weed science, Bajwa now teaches at La Trobe University in Melbourne and owns a home.
However, the pathway Bajwa followed is becoming increasingly difficult for new international students.
In response to the country's housing affordability crisis, which is a primary concern among voters ahead of the upcoming election, politicians from both major parties are advocating for limits on the number of foreign students allowed to study in Australia. The goal is to reduce demand in the rental and starter home markets, thereby helping to control escalating property prices. This marks a significant policy shift for Australia, which traditionally viewed international education as a high-growth sector and competed globally with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
“International students contribute far more than what is lost by limiting their numbers,” Bajwa, 35, stated. “It would be more effective to improve selection criteria rather than impose blanket caps or restrictions.”
Last year, the government attempted to introduce legislation to cap international student numbers but was unsuccessful. Since then, student visa fees have increased and processing times have slowed, resulting in fewer overseas student arrivals. Opposition leader Peter Dutton has promised to enforce stricter limits, proposing a reduction of 30,000 international student places annually, capping new arrivals at 240,000, while increasing maximum visa fees to 5,000 Australian dollars (approximately $3,200).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s strict border controls prevented many international students from entering. Subsequently, efforts to attract students back included temporarily easing work restrictions and offering visa fee rebates, which led to record enrollment numbers in 2023 and 2024, surpassing one million international students for the first time.
