Australia May Reduce Foreign Students Intake In 2025: Expert Shares What Happens To Those With Approved Visa And More

Our experts, Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding.com, and Ms Jyotee Naair, founder of CareerVversity, shared some insights to provide clarity on this developing situation, the potential consequences, and what international students can expect in the coming year.

What Happens To Those Who Already Have A Pending Student Visa?

“The proposed cap on foreign enrollments will not affect those students whose visas are in process or pending. They will still be able to process their applications according to the existing rules, regardless of the new cap. This means, their applications will be assessed based on current criteria without being impacted by the limits. However, this will have an impact on the new enrollments which will take place in the year 2025,” shared Mamta.

What Does The Future Look Like For International Students?

Shekhawat said, “The Australian government is planning to take the number of international enrollments back to pre-pandemic levels. In light of the circumstances, it is advisable that students also consider other alternatives to Australia if they wish to pursue their education abroad.”

She also shared various other countries that are home to the world's top-ranking universities including China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and the Netherlands.“Thus, students need to evaluate their options carefully, considering not only educational quality but also immigration policies and post-graduation work opportunities in the foreign land,” she added.

We asked Mamta, “Those who are already there and want to get an extension, what's the scenario for them?” She replied, “As per last year's records, international students have accounted for more than half of Australia's GDP growth.”

• Impact Of The Cap: “The proposed cap will certainly affect the new enrollments. However, it will not impact the current students. This typically means that students already studying in Australia can continue their studies as planned without interruption,” shared Mamta.
• Extension: She continued, “The proposed cap will not impact students already studying in Australia and wish to extend their studies. Moreover, even if they want to pursue additional courses then the situation is favorable for them.”

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“Thus, current international students can continue their studies and apply for extensions. However, as per me and my team, they must remain vigilant regarding evolving visa regulations and potential changes that may occur,” mentioned Shekhawat.

What Does It Mean For Those Working In Australia Currently?

We asked Ms Naair whether it affects those who went on study visas to Australia but are now working there and she mentioned, “Australia's student visa cap is expected to impact international students, with potential delays, rejections, and increased competition. To adapt, students can consider alternative destinations or strategic changes in approach. Meanwhile, international students working in Australia may face stricter assessments for visa extensions or transitions, narrower pathways to permanent residency, and stricter work visa transitions. To navigate these changes, students and workers should stay updated, seek professional guidance, align their careers with high-demand fields, enhance their points for General Skilled Migration pathways, and consider employer sponsorship, emphasising the need for international students to be strategic, flexible, and prepared to pivot.”

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