The Coalition’s plan would reduce Australia’s fourth-largest export sector to under 5 per cent of its pre-pandemic size, which was about 244,000, an analysis of forecasts by migration expert Abul Rizvi indicates.
Arrivals accelerated to historical highs after the borders reopened post-pandemic as students returned to finish their courses after being relegated to online delivery. “Damaging the sector is economically reckless,” he said. “With budget pressures mounting, we should grow industries that sustain our economy, not add more strain.”found that spending by international students accounted for more than half of Australia’s economic growth in 2023 – equivalent to 0.8 percentage points of annual GDP growth, or more than half the 1.5 per cent annual rate in December.
“I thought an MBA would enhance my business acumen and if things worked well, then my family could move out here as well,” Ms Veera said.“But it looks like my dreams are going to be shattered. Just a few months ago, I was thinking I would find a company to sponsor me after I graduate. One policy change to undercut her plans is a Labor decision to reduce the age limit for graduates to stay and work here for a couple of years from 50 to 35. Ms Veera is 40.On the upside, her MBA class has a cap of 40 students made up of locals and people like her from all over the world.