By Gaurav Batra
For a long time, Australia has been among the top destinations for students who wish to pursue their education abroad. Offering a top-notch education, a diverse cultural experience, and a welcoming atmosphere, the country attracts thousands of international students every year. About 710,000 international students were pursuing education in Australian universities in 2023.
What Attracts Students To Come to Australia
On the academic front, Australian universities are listed among the top educational institutions around the globe. The University of Melbourne, with a 98.5 score in ‘academic reputation’ and a 96.5 score in ’employment outcomes’, is ranked 13th in QS World University Rankings 2025.
Similarly, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) are ranked 18th and 19th, respectively. In addition, the freedom to customise courses, transfer credits, robust assessment methods, competency-based education, year-round intakes, and employment opportunities add to the allure for international students.
However, Australia’s charm goes far beyond the corridors of its academic institutions. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer a high quality of life, a vibrant multicultural society, and natural wonders. In addition, the country’s growing emphasis on inclusivity makes students of various cultural backgrounds feel at ease.
Understanding the Enrolment Cap Debate
The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill, 2024, was proposed to regulate the number of international students migrating to the country to pursue their education in Australian universities. Though ESOS legislation intended to integrate sustainability into the education system and reduce the pressure on the housing sector, it ended up creating confusion among students and academic institutions.
Most universities in the country opposed the bill, stating that it would not only deteriorate the quality of education but also damage the country’s academic reputation. This led students to believe that the government wanted to reduce the number of international students migrating to Australia. Now, the stalling of the legislation has further added to the confusion, as students do not know what will follow.
What the Stall Means for Prospective Students
Since the ESOS bill has been put on hold, Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107), introduced in December 2023, will continue to regulate the country’s key student visa processing mechanism. The bill prioritises processing student and guardian visa applications by evaluating the risk levels associated with education providers and the countries from which the students originate.
In this scenario, universities will most likely continue their existing practices, welcoming foreign students who meet their selection criteria to bring diverse perspectives to their campuses. The pause on the bill also reflects the government’s intent to engage with stakeholders to ensure that Australian education remains accessible and inclusive for students worldwide.
A Bright Horizon Ahead
With the suspension of the ESOS legislation, Australia has reaffirmed its stance regarding embracing international students. This move will ensure that the country’s borders do not restrict access to quality education for needy students. As for prospective students, it reinstates the opportunities to enrol themselves in some of the world’s best universities Australia is home to. It is time for them to plan and prepare themselves for a comprehensive educational and cultural experience at one of the most highly desired study locations worldwide.
(Author is Founder & CEO of Infinite Group)
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