Australia's grades slip with international students

Australia's appeal to international students has sharply declined over the past six months, according to a new report. This decline follows a heated debate on migration policies, with political parties proposing restrictions on foreign students. The Labor government will now prevent overseas students from bringing their families and limit transfers between institutions for those pursuing higher education. Similarly, the coalition and One Nation have also announced measures to curb migration.

New figures from IDP Education, a migration agent, reveal that less than one in four prospective students now consider Australia as their top destination, down from more than one in three six months ago. Competitors like the US, UK, and Canada have become more attractive to international students during this period. The constant changes in visa rules and planning levels have made potential students wary of Australia.

IDP's chief partner officer, Simon Emmett, said the world's best students have ample alternatives, and uncertainty in Australia's policies has made them seek other destinations. The UK has also gained ground, possibly overtaking Australia as a preferred study location. Australia is still considered a top destination by 54% of prospective students, but this is a five percent decrease from six months ago.

In July, Australia's student visa fees increased to $2500 for undergraduates and $5750 for postgraduates, making it the most expensive destination globally. The visa refusal rate also rose to a 10-year high of 24.6% in the previous month, up from 7.9% a decade ago. These changes have affected both prospective students and those already in Australia, with many struggling to find part-time or post-graduate work and facing difficulties with the cost of living.