Holding the migration program (National Planning Level) at 295,000 in 2027 is a significant and welcome decision. It sends an important signal that the Australian Government recognises the economic, workforce and national interest value of international students. It acknowledges that international education is not simply an export industry, but a critical component of Australia’s long‑term skills pipeline, research capability and productivity strategy.
However, the positive signal risks being undermined by the Government’s own visa settings.
Australia already charges the highest student visa fees in the world. A further 25 percent increase risks making Australia even less competitive in attracting the highest quality students, including those from new and emerging markets where Australian universities are seeking to diversify. This comes at a time of intensifying global competition and increasing uncertainty in the international student market.
The international student market is shifting and we are already seeing a softening in the Australian market. In this period of economic uncertainty and global instability, Australia cannot afford to risk its largest services export – worth more than $50 billion annually.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said: “The decision to maintain the migration program level is an important recognition that Australia needs international talent and skills. It reflects an understanding that international students are central to our economic future and workforce needs”.
“But that positive signal is diluted when students are simultaneously being asked to pay the highest visa charges in the world. Cost matters, particularly for the talented students Australia is seeking to attract.”
“International students are much more than just an export industry. They are a core part of Australia’s future skilled workforce – particularly in areas of shortage like health, engineering and advanced technologies. They make a major contribution to our society, our diplomacy and our economic prosperity”.
“Increasing upfront costs will disproportionately deter the very students Australia most needs: high-ability postgraduate students who go on to fill critical roles and strengthen Australia’s research capability.”
“There is a clear policy tension. On the one hand, the Government is signalling the importance of skills, productivity and migration planning. On the other, it is increasing barriers for the very people who help deliver those outcomes.”
“What is needed is genuine alignment between migration, skills and international education policy. Retaining the migration program level is an important step, but visa settings should reinforce that objective, not work against it.”