More than a quarter of Australia’s student-visa holders remain overseas despite efforts to revive the country’s $37.6 billion pre-pandemic industry.
China ranks first on the Top 10 country list of international students in Australia. About 116,113 Chinese students hold student visas, 49 percent of whom were outside Australia.
Reasons for students staying overseas include slow visa approval, passport replacement, local lockdown, expensive air tickets, fear of COVID-19, the high cost of living in Australia, and getting used to taking classes remotely.
Education Minister Jason Clare said that the number of Chinese students at Australian universities fell 24 percent in the first quarter of this year, with fear of COVID and a shortage of flights being the main reasons students are not returning.
Universities Australia, the sector’s peak body, predicted that Australian universities will lose $16 billion by 2023 because of the loss of international students.
“Not only does that revenue support the staff and facilities to educate the next generation of skilled workers, it also pays for much of the research and innovation that keeps Australia internationally competitive.”
Expert: Chance to Reset Reputation of Australian Universities
However, there is also a voice from the sector calling to make university funding independent from international student fees.“We have a chance to reset our reputation as a leading education destination, but it will require changing the way we view these students—not as economic commodities, but as individuals who make a significant contribution to Australian society.”
“As the COVID-19 emergency is winding down, Australian universities have indeed an opportunity to reset their reputation by conducting neutrality-free research and teaching and providing international students with outstanding and imaginative educational experiences.”
“Only then will their fees be well spent.”