After three years of slow growth, a large increase in international student visa applications has raised hopes for Australia’s international education sector.
International education is one of Australia’s highest revenue earners, however, in the past few years enrolment in this multi-billion dollar industry has slumped. This trend seems to be reversing, with more than 74,000 applications lodged in the September quarter 2013, the highest for the quarter in the past four years.
These positive signs come after three years of slow growth for Australia’s international education centre, which experienced strong growth until a combination of the high Australian dollar, concerns about Australia’s safety following a series of crimes committed against foreign students, and changes in migration laws dramatically reduced enrolment numbers.
The executive director of the International Education Association of Australia, Phil Honeywood, welcomed the latest increase in visa applications, saying the original crackdown caused “pain” to the sector but was motivated by genuine concerns.
Since that time, authorities have sought to make Australia a more attractive destination.
From March 2012, “streamlined visa processing” ensured that prospective students faced a simpler application process if they provided confirmation of enrolment from a participating university in Australia at bachelor, masters or doctoral degree level.
Since then, the application success rate has risen to 94.3 per cent, offshore student visa lodgements increased by 27.6% – and total student visa grants rose by 13.6%.
The deputy chief executive of Universities Australia, Greg Evans, noted “These welcome figures reflect both improved regulatory and visa conditions provided by government as well as the tireless efforts of our universities,”
Photo Source: National Post