Australia Announces Major Crackdown Against International Students

Australia has confirmed tougher immigration rules targeting international students, backpackers and other temporary visa holders as the administration moves to reduce net overseas migration.

Key points

• While only 5, 000 places will be available for a third year, the second-year program will be capped at 45, 000 places.
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• Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy has cautioned that continued changes to immigration and student visa policies could weaken confidence in Australia's international education sector.
• Canada Makes it Easier for International Students to Obtain Study Visas.
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Under the new measures, most international students will no longer be allowed to bring their partners and children to Australia while studying.

As well as certain study categories, some exemptions will apply to students from Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries. Families already living in Australia will not be separated under the new rules. Fully-Funded KAUST Scholarship 2027 for MS and PhD in Saudi Arabia.

Notably, the administration is additionally tightening rules for international students seeking to extend their stay.

Students who complete one qualification will generally be allowed to obtain another student visa only if they move to a higher-level qualification. Those who want to change courses will additionally be required to apply for a new visa. Working holiday visas are additionally being restricted.

Under the revised system, a ballot will be introduced for backpackers seeking to remain in Australia for a second or third year under parts of the Working Holiday Maker program.

While only 5, 000 places will be available for a third year, the second-year program will be capped at 45, 000 places. Applicants will still have to complete the required regional work before becoming eligible for the ballot.

In practice, the administration is additionally changing visitor visa rules to prevent individuals from using short-term visas to remain in Australia while applying for another type of visa.

Meanwhile, authorities will step up action against individuals who stay in the country after their visas expire. The administration aims to recruit an extra 100 compliance officers and is considering using a former Melbourne quarantine facility for immigration detention.

In practice, the measures are part of the government's plan to reduce annual net overseas migration to around 225, 000 by 2028, compared with roughly 300, 000 at present. Canada Makes it Easier for International Students to Obtain Study Visas.

Although the number has since began declining, migration rose sharply after Australia reopened its international borders after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In practice, the changes come as immigration remains a major political matter in Australia, particularly against the backdrop of reservations over housing availability and the rising cost of living.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke rejected suggestions that the new measures were introduced in response to growing backing for One Nation, saying the administration had been working on the reforms for some time.

Notably, the changes could additionally affect Australia's international education sector. It contributed A$53.6 billion to the economy in the year to June 2025 and was the country's fourth-largest export.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Luke Sheehy has cautioned that continued changes to immigration and student visa policies could weaken confidence in Australia's international education sector. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

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