The Federal Coalition will work with the tertiary education sector to determine how the annual international student intake can be sustainable to meet the 21st century challenges of Australia’s economy.
Today, the Albanese Government announced that the National Planning Level will be lifted from 270,000 in 2025 to 295,000 in 2026 – an increase of 25,000 international students per year.
Shadow Education Minister Jonno Duniam says that the Coalition recognises the importance of international students in our society, but remains concerned that the full picture of the international student intake is not being taken into account.
“The Coalition values our international students and the positive contribution that each of them makes to communities across the country,” Senator Duniam said.
“It is up to the Albanese Government to explain how this new target – of 295,000 new enrolments – is sustainable given that we had over one million course enrolments for international students in 2024 alone.”
“The Albanese Government is continuing to operate an opaque planning system for international education and needs to give all tertiary providers clarity on how it arrived at these numbers while ensuring that there are no losers. Regional universities and high-quality specialist providers should not be swept up in a one-size-fits-all approach.”
“We will work with tertiary sector to get this right to make sure the international student the model is sustainable, practical and gets the best outcomes for students.”
Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr said that the Coalition will consult widely to get the balance right.
“We recognise the importance of the international education sector for our economy and in building people to people relationships,” Senator Scarr said.
“In setting the number of new student visa places, consultation with the education sector is vital.”
“As the Coalition reviews its policies following the last election, I look forward to working with the Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning in engaging with the sector.”
Shadow Minister for Skills and Training Scott Buchholz MP said Australia needs a sustainable intake to address Labor’s growing skills crisis.
“I note the Government’s increase to the international student places, however at the end of the day, we are still facing a skills crisis of epic proportions, with over 100,000 less people in apprenticeships and traineeships than there was since the Coalition was last in Government,” Mr Buchholz said.
“I welcome any measures that seek to get more people into training and jobs, and commit to working with the sector to resolve Labor’s skill shortage crisis.”
