When Ali Bajwa, a native of Pakistan, pursued a doctorate in agricultural science, he chose Australia as his top destination. The country’s advancements in agricultural research and highly ranked universities, along with its welcoming attitude towards international students, made it an attractive choice. Australia’s international education has been described as “the biggest export we don’t dig out of the ground.” Mr. Bajwa arrived in Australia over a decade ago, specializing in weed control, and brought his family, all of whom became naturalized citizens. He spent years in Wagga Wagga, working for the state government and conducting research in weed science. He now teaches at La Trobe University in Melbourne and is a homeowner.
However, individuals hoping to follow in Mr. Bajwa’s footsteps now face a different reality. Politicians from both sides have introduced measures to cap the number of international students, aiming to address the affordable housing crisis. This shift is significant for Australia, whose economy relies on mining but once considered education a super growth sector. Mr. Bajwa believes that the benefits of international students outweigh the costs and argues for improved selection criteria rather than a blanket ban or limits on student numbers.
The Australian government previously attempted to impose a cap on international students but faced opposition. The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has pledged stricter restrictions on international students, reducing their number and significantly increasing visa fees. Strict border controls during the pandemic kept international students out, but Australia later made efforts to bring them back. Despite this, concerns about Australia’s housing affordability crisis have grown, making international students an easy target for politicians seeking quick solutions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/world/australia/international-students-caps.html
