Australia’s university sector is at a crossroads as it navigates the global uncertainty stemming from Donald Trump’s presidency in the United States. With experts asserting that Trump’s leadership has disrupted the global market, Australia is poised to capitalize on these challenges, particularly in the realm of international education. The industry generates $34 billion annually. The system is reeling as student enrollment numbers have dropped drastically, leading the government to step in with moves to ensure stability and growth.
And just two months ago, Education Minister Jason Clare was touting a National Planning Level of 295,000 international student places. This plan extends only to year 2026. This tactical move is paying off, making Australia more attractive than ever as an international student hotspot. It arrives in response to mounting competition from countries such as Canada and the UK, where they too are stepping on the brakes on recruitment. Clare said Australia’s positioning on the world stage could help lure future students.
“Australia’s been very fortunate that other countries we compete against, particularly Canada, Donald Trump’s USA now and the UK are also winding back on international student recruitment.” – Jason Clare
Beyond the opportunities offered, Australia’s university sector has a lot of key work to do on student accommodation. Clare outlined two key caveats for institutions seeking additional placements: the necessity for secure housing for students and a renewed focus on engagement with Southeast Asian nations. All of these measures are critical for universities looking to shape a world that transcends the perils of today’s climate.
As a part of this settlement, a new governing body with the authority to set caps on students and distribution to universities will be established. This governing body is designed to constantly calibrate course offerings and skills requirements in real time based on shifting labor market demands. Schools need to show improvement in delivering safe student housing to be eligible for larger allocations.
Phil Honeywood, our long-time head of the international education sector, welcomed the announcement with guarded optimism. While definite improvement seems to be in the air, Mr O’Neill conceded that such improvements are not universal.
“Any increase in the enrolment figures from the government is very welcome … however, it’s patchy.” – Phil Honeywood
Honeywood raised awareness about the financial hardship that English language colleges in Australia are currently enduring. Contending with skyrocketing international student visa application fees and another bleak international education outlook.
“Our English language colleges are collapsing as we speak because of the combination of high student visa fees and just a concern that the future for Australian international education is not fantastic.” – Phil Honeywood
Mr Alec Webb, speaking on behalf of purpose-built student accommodation firms, warned about the challenges in fulfilling housing needs as a result of the long planning approval times. It often takes three years or longer for these projects to get approved and start construction.
“It’s taking purpose-built student accommodation companies anything up to three years to get a project approved and commence construction. So it’s a long game.” – Phil Honeywood
Webb was keen to point out that delays extend beyond just the issue of planning permissions. They come up during the construction phase as well. He restated the need for close partnerships between schools and all levels of government to meet housing demands.
“So we’re very keen to work with the department and the government to better understand what the expectation is in regards to securing the supply of housing.” – Alec Webb
