Australia has long been a sought-after destination for international students, but recent government data reveals a concerning trend: a record 15,348 student visa applications were withdrawn in 2024. This is nearly triple the 5,700 withdrawals recorded in 2023 and a dramatic rise from just 4,156 in 2019. The sudden spike suggests growing disillusionment among prospective students, with many opting out before even setting foot in the country.
The Department of Home Affairs figures, analyzed by Monash University’s higher education policy expert Andrew Norton, indicate that visa withdrawals now account for 3.6% of total applications—a sharp increase from around 1% in previous years. Norton believes this pattern signals that students are “simply giving up” on Australia, dissuaded by a combination of policy shifts, rising costs, and increasing difficulties in securing visas.
A deeper look at the data shows that the trend is particularly pronounced among students from China, India, and Pakistan—Australia’s top three source countries. China currently has the largest number of students studying in Australia, with approximately 190,000 enrolled. India follows with 140,000 students, while Pakistan has around 23,800. In 2024, over 5,000 withdrawals came from Chinese students, up from around 1,800 in 2023. Indian students, who have historically been Australia’s largest cohort, accounted for approximately 4,200 withdrawals, nearly doubling the previous year’s figures. Pakistani students, though a smaller group in comparison, also saw a sharp rise, with over 1,500 visa withdrawals—up from under 700 the year before.
The surge in withdrawals is not happening in isolation. It coincides with the Australian government’s tightening of student visa rules in an effort to curb immigration. In December 2023, stricter English language requirements and financial proof thresholds were introduced, making it more challenging for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds and developing economies to meet the criteria. Additionally, concerns over visa processing delays and increased scrutiny of applications have left many students in limbo, unsure whether they will be granted entry.
Beyond the policy changes, the financial burden of studying in Australia has risen sharply. Tuition fees for international students have been increasing, and the cost of living—already high in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne—has been exacerbated by inflation and a rental crisis. For many students, particularly those from middle-income families in South Asia, these rising expenses are making Australia an unviable option. Despite these challenges, Australia’s education industry remains a major economic driver, generating a staggering $48 billion in export revenue in 2023—a 19% increase compared to the previous record set in 2019.
The Australian government has defended the policy adjustments, arguing that they are necessary to maintain integrity in the international education sector. Home Affairs Minister The Hon Tony Burke MP stated that recent visa tightening measures aim to prevent abuse of the system, particularly by applicants who enroll in short-term courses primarily as a means to gain work rights rather than for genuine education. “We want students coming here for the right reasons and to ensure that our education system maintains its world-class reputation,” Burke said in a statement.
However, student advocacy groups warn that these restrictions are disproportionately affecting genuine applicants. The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) has raised concerns about the psychological and financial toll on students who invest time and resources into applications only to find themselves stuck in bureaucratic uncertainty. A spokesperson for CISA noted, “Many students are now looking elsewhere—Canada, the UK, even China—because they feel unwelcome in Australia.”
The shift in student sentiment is opening opportunities for competing destinations. Canada, despite its own recent tightening of student visa rules, remains an attractive alternative due to its more inclusive post-study work policies and lower tuition fees. The United Kingdom, having expanded its Graduate Route program, is also drawing students away from Australia. Even China, traditionally a source country for international students, has been making strides in promoting its universities as a competitive choice for students from South Asia and Africa.
Australia is not the only country facing such challenges. In North America, international student policies have become increasingly restrictive, particularly in the United States. Since Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. has imposed tougher visa requirements, including additional scrutiny of applicants from Muslim-majority countries and increased rejection rates for student visas. The Biden administration has made efforts to reverse some of these policies, but the lingering perception that the U.S. is an unwelcoming destination remains a deterrent for many students.
Canada, historically known for its open-door policy, has also started tightening its student visa regulations. In early 2024, the Canadian government introduced a cap on international student permits in response to concerns over housing shortages and strained public services. As a result, thousands of students who had planned to study in Canada are now reconsidering their options. This shift could further impact Australia, which may lose students to more flexible destinations in Europe and Asia.
The uncertainty surrounding student visas and immigration policies is already having an economic impact. Australia’s higher education sector heavily relies on international students, who contribute billions of dollars annually. Universities are now facing declining enrollments, forcing them to reassess their recruitment strategies. Industry experts warn that if Australia does not recalibrate its policies, it risks losing its status as a leading global education hub.
For students, the frustration is palpable. An Indian student, who withdrew his Australian visa application in early 2024, expressed his disappointment: “I spent months preparing for my studies in Australia, only to be caught in endless visa processing delays. When I saw the new rules, I decided it wasn’t worth the risk.” Similarly, a Pakistani student shared, “My family had to arrange a huge amount of money for financial proof, and even then, I wasn’t sure if my visa would be approved. I chose the UK instead.”
While some students are still determined to pursue their education in Australia despite the hurdles, the growing number of withdrawals highlights the broader challenges facing international education. The government’s efforts to balance migration control with educational growth will be critical in determining whether Australia remains an attractive destination or continues to see students turn elsewhere.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
