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International students are applying to more colleges and universities. Students who want to study overseas are also applying to more countries than ever before, with new non-traditional destinations emerging and a greater emphasis on more affordable options, a new INTO survey has found.  There has been substantial growth in applications for Germany and Ireland.

The report, published by INTO student recruitment company on May 27, “signals a major shift in student behaviour and the emergence of new study-abroad destinations,” said Tom Hands, INTO chief recruitment officer for university partnerships. He added, “The competition for universities in top study-abroad markets to attract overseas talent has become even tougher.”

The INTO survey conducted in March 2024, surveyed 1,240 agents from 66 countries and concluded that there was intense competition for recruiting international students with 87% of agents reporting an increase in the number of universities and colleges that students applied to in the past year.

With the new student cap in place in Canada, the new ‘genuine student’ requirement in Australia and further restrictions in the UK agents are increasingly recommending new destinations.

In the survey, 11% of agents said that they had submitted applications to 100+ universities last year. The survey also warned that this would increase the pressure on agents to become adept at applying form admissions and visas to more countries than ever before.

The survey also noted that affordability was playing an increased role is destination choices and the burden of financing higher education in the traditional destinations was now assuming more importance than anytime in the past. The survey also showed that the attractiveness of the USA, UK, Australia and Canada had diminished while new European and Asian study destinations were garnering more attention from both students and agents. Germany and Ireland are the two ‘new’ destinations that have seen the most growth in the last year.

Agents across Asia noted that students are increasingly choosing a destination closer to home.

Besides affordability, career opportunities are increasingly important for international students, with 87% of surveyed agents identifying it as a key factor, an increase of 5% from the previous year.

A comprehensive “whole-of-government” strategy at the federal and provincial levels is being advocated by key stakeholder groups to guide decisions about the sector’s goals, targets, and priorities. They are also calling for a multi-sectoral forum to establish a stable, “no surprises” planning and policy environment for international education.

This interaction comes after the limits on the numbers of international students entering Canada were introduced. This cap was criticized by many stakeholders for being implemented without consulting the sector. The proposed actions were among many important issues discussed during a two-day National Dialogue session organized by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

Over 225 participants from Canada’s international education community attended the session, including senior officials from federal and provincial ministries, leaders from educational institutions, business associations, community service providers, researchers, student associations, national and regional educational associations, and a representative group of international students.

“In convening this event, CBIE was acutely aware of the urgency to provide an inclusive forum in which key international education stakeholders could share insights and work towards consensus on how the sector can and should evolve,” said Larissa Bezo, president and CEO, CBIE. “The frank, open and constructive discussion that took place was long overdue,” she told The PIE News.

“The key takeaway is that we as a sector need to establish an ongoing mechanism or focal point to sustain this type of multi-stakeholder dialogue in order to advance a more responsible and sustainable Canadian international education sector for the long-term. CBIE looks forward to sharing the key recommendations that emerged from the National Dialogue’s multi-stakeholder discussions with federal and provincial governments, event participants and key stakeholders in the coming weeks,” added Bezo.

“There is much work to be done and we all have a role to play in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for international students in ways which uphold the integrity of the EduCanada brand and secure Canada’s long-term position as an ethical leader and top destination for global talent.”

As part of the dialogue, Bezo had a fireside chat with immigration minister Marc Miller, where he outlined his vision for the International Student Program and confirmed that caps on international enrolments would remain.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need for a pan-Canadian framework for ethical international education practices applicable to designated learning institutions. They argue this framework should include clear accountability for delivering results and become an “integral part of the EduCanada brand.”

Canada’s labour shortages were a prominent topic throughout the event, and the sector is now advocating for “more systematic processes to link enrolment decisions to short and longer-term labour market and demographic needs at the community level,” according to a CBIE statement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering changes to the UK’s Graduate Route visa, which currently allows international graduates to stay and work for up to two years after graduation. According to ‘The Observer,’ this proposal may face significant resistance from his own ministers. These potential changes could greatly affect the appeal of UK universities for Indian students, who have been the primary beneficiaries of this visa since its inception in 2021.

Government insiders have indicated that Downing Street is contemplating further restrictions or even abolishing the Graduate Route, despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) advising its continuation due to its benefits for UK universities. “Sunak is now finding himself caught between the demands of right-wingers with one eye on the Tory leadership and Conservative moderates who fear the consequences of a lurch to the right on the party’s reputation and election chances,” the newspaper reports, citing sources close to ministers opposed to eliminating the visa.

Key members of the Cabinet, such as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, are leading the opposition to these changes. Leaders from universities and businesses have warned that reducing post-study visa options would make the UK less attractive to international students, especially those from India.

John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), highlighted the importance of international students: “Studying at university is one of our biggest export successes. Attracting international students boosts local economies and losing competitiveness would put support for undergraduate teaching and innovation at risk.”

Universities UK (UUK), which represents UK universities, has called on the government to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the visa. Vivienne Stern, UUK’s Chief Executive, stated, “We hope and expect that the government now listens to the advice they have been given and provides categorical reassurance that the Graduate visa is here to stay.”

MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell noted the significant impact on Indian students, who accounted for 42% of the visas granted between 2021 and 2023. He stressed, “Our evidence suggests that it’s the Indian students that will be most affected by any restriction on the Graduate Route.”

Vignesh Karthik from the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK echoed this sentiment, saying, “The uncertainty caused by the review has been chaotic. We urge the government to accept the MAC’s findings and ensure the Graduate Route remains a stable and permanent fixture in the UK’s immigration system.”

As the UK approaches a general election, the Sunak-led government is focusing on reducing both legal and illegal migration. With new immigration statistics expected next week, additional policy changes are likely.

The Australian Government has recently disclosed modifications to the Temporary Graduate visa program as part of its new Migration Strategy, set to be implemented from 1 July 2024.

Adjustment of Visa Streams Based on Educational Levels

The visa category known as the Graduate Work stream will now be referred to as the Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Similarly, the Post-Study Work stream will be updated to the Post-Higher Education Work stream. The eligibility for each stream will be determined by the qualification you acquired to satisfy the Australian study requirement. Additional qualifications you possess will not be considered for eligibility.

For those with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification, it is appropriate to apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.

The qualification used must align closely with your designated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

If you have earned a qualification at the degree level or higher, you are to apply under the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Note: Previous restrictions for applicants whose initial Student visa was granted following an application made on or after 5 November 2011 will be abolished.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream (formerly Graduate Work Stream)

The age limit for applicants to the Post-Vocational Education Work stream will be lowered to 35 years or younger at the time of application. However, holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports will remain eligible up to the age of 50. Those who find themselves ineligible for this stream due to the new age limit may consider other visa options.

Applicants may remain for up to 18 months under this stream. Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport holders may extend their stay up to 5 years.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream)

The age cap for the Post-Higher Education Work stream will also be adjusted to 35 years at the time of applying. The age limit remains at 50 years for Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. Applicants affected by this change in eligibility due to the new age restriction may explore other visa pathways.

The option for a ‘select degree’ 2-year extension will be discontinued. The duration of stay will be adjusted as follows:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years
• Masters (research) and doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may qualify for a stay of up to 5 years.

The durations for Indian nationals, as specified in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), will continue as follows:

• Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years
• Bachelor degree (with first-class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years
• Masters (coursework, extended, and research) – up to 3 years
• Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Second Post-Study Work Stream)

The Second Post-Study Work stream will be renamed as the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. This section will see no further changes.

Termination of Replacement Stream

The Replacement stream will be discontinued after 1 July 2024.

Recent analysis conducted by the Group of Eight (Go8) in Australia has debunked the notion of a direct correlation between international students and the country’s housing crisis. Contrary to popular belief, the organization’s latest policy brief identifies housing affordability and broader cost-of-living challenges as primarily stemming from supply-side issues, rather than being exacerbated by the presence of international students.

This assessment from the Go8 follows a report by Australia’s PBSA organization, the Student Accommodation Council, which similarly refuted claims that overseas students are to blame for the nation’s rental crisis. As debates over the imposition of a cap on international student numbers, akin to the one introduced in Canada earlier in the year, continue to simmer, key stakeholders within the education sector have pushed back against the idea.

Despite suggestions of an informal cap due to sluggish visa approval rates, prominent voices within the sector have rejected the notion of a formal cap. Vicki Thomson, the Chief Executive of Go8, emphasized that while international student demand for housing may be higher in certain inner-city areas of Sydney and Melbourne, significant investments are being made by Go8 members and purpose-built student accommodation providers to address this issue.

Thomson highlighted a myriad of supply-side factors contributing to Australia’s housing challenges, including decades of underinvestment, regulatory constraints, construction costs, workforce shortages, and supply chain disruptions. She emphasized that even without international students, Australia would still grapple with a housing crisis, underscoring the complexity of the underlying issues at play.

Warning against the implementation of a cap on international student numbers as a solution to ease housing pressures, Thomson cautioned that such a move would be shortsighted and could hinder Australia’s economic growth and prosperity, particularly amidst a domestic skills crisis.

Echoing Thomson’s sentiments, Julian Hill, the outgoing co-convener of the federal government’s Council for International Education, cautioned against the adoption of a hard cap on international student numbers. Hill argued that such a measure would send negative signals globally, potentially deterring high-quality students who contribute significantly to Australia’s talent pool, soft power, academic excellence, and research endeavors.

Drawing parallels with Canada, the Go8 document highlighted concerns raised by sector stakeholders regarding the adverse effects of capping international student numbers on labor markets, diversity, and the ability to meet the demands of high-growth sectors. In essence, the proposed cap on international students in Australia is viewed not only as a short-term fix but also as a measure that could undermine the long-term strategic interests of the country.

An inquiry into England’s dependence on international students has been initiated, aiming to assess the changes in international student numbers in recent years and their impact on various aspects of higher education. The Education Committee, comprising 11 cross-party MPs, will delve into the implications of international student enrollment on university funding, availability of places for domestic students, and the balance between international and domestic student populations.

The committee will also scrutinize recent and proposed changes to student visas and the Graduate Route, seeking to understand their impact on international student numbers and the effectiveness of the government’s International Education Strategy introduced in 2019.

MP Robin Walker, chair of the Education Committee, expressed pride in the UK’s position as the third most popular destination for international students, acknowledging the invaluable contributions they make to the country’s cities, industries, and institutions. However, he raised concerns about the growing reliance of England’s universities, including elite institutions, on income from international students to address budget deficits.

The inquiry aims to explore the sustainability of this dependence and its potential ramifications for the future of higher education in England. With a rising number of universities experiencing budget deficits and increasingly turning to international student fees to cover shortfalls, the committee seeks to understand the risks associated with this trend and explore potential solutions.

Recent research indicates that fees from international students are projected to constitute a significant portion of course fee income for many higher education institutions across England and Northern Ireland in the coming years. However, a sharp decline in international student enrollments could lead to financial challenges for a large number of institutions.

Despite the benefits international students bring to the UK economy and academic environment, concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of the current model. Stakeholders in the education sector, including Diana Beech, CEO of London Higher, and Joe Marshall, CEO of the National Centre for Universities and Business, have welcomed the inquiry, emphasizing the need to assess the overall contributions and benefits of international students.

However, amidst discussions on the importance of international students, there are also reports of proposed radical measures to reduce net migration, including suggestions to limit student visas to only the best-performing universities. Such proposals have sparked debates about the future direction of higher education funding and the balance between academic and vocational learning.

As the Education Committee embarks on its inquiry and stakeholders weigh in on the debate, the inquiry is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with England’s reliance on international students and inform future policy decisions in the education sector.

As Australia grapples with chronic skills shortages, particularly in regional Victoria, stakeholders are advocating for the utilization of international students to fill these gaps. Employers in regional areas, facing a persistent demand for skilled workers in various sectors including trades, healthcare, and manufacturing, are urged to explore strategies to tap into this valuable talent pool.

James Woodhall, senior account manager in higher education for Victoria at SEEK, highlighted the increasing demand for jobs in regional Victoria and emphasized the potential of international students as a solution to the skills shortage. He encouraged employers to consider offering graduate programs and support services to facilitate the integration of international students into the workforce.

Recognizing potential concerns regarding visa processes and employment readiness, educators like Federation University are proactively equipping students with the necessary employability skills. Helen Ryan, director of Cooperative Experiential Learning and Careers at Federation University, emphasized the importance of incorporating employability skills and work experience into the curriculum to prepare students for the job market.

From an industry perspective, employers can access talent from universities through various avenues, including internships and graduate recruitment programs. Samantha Taylor, Clinical Nurse Educator Transition to Practice at Grampians Health, emphasized the significance of providing support to new recruits to ensure their successful integration into the workforce and enhance retention rates.

Steven Neild, Graduate Recruitment Lead at engineering firm GHD, shared his experience of including international students in graduate programs, highlighting the benefits of diversity and talent acquisition. He emphasized the value of tapping into underrepresented talent pools, particularly in fields like engineering and project management.

Natalie Walsh, acting assistant director for Business, Industry, and Regional Outreach Victoria at the Department of Home Affairs, clarified visa regulations for international students. She highlighted the flexibility of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) and emphasized the importance of understanding visa requirements when hiring international students.

In addition to the Temporary Graduate Visa, employers can explore other visa options such as the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa. Walsh emphasized the importance of utilizing resources like the visa entitlement verification online (VIVO) to verify the status of visa holders and ensure compliance with regulations.

In conclusion, harnessing the potential of international students presents a viable solution to Australia’s chronic skills shortages, particularly in regional areas. By providing support, enhancing employability skills, and navigating visa regulations, employers can effectively tap into this valuable talent pool to address workforce gaps and drive regional development.