The review notes a failure to prioritize attracting top talents globally, along with difficulties international students encounter when entering the workforce.
The review notes a failure to prioritize attracting top talents globally, along with difficulties international students encounter when entering the workforce.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson emphasized the need for an immigration system that acknowledges the advantages of migration, especially one that offers assurance to foreign employees who can make valuable contributions to Australia’s workforce, noting international students have a key role in it.
She said that while hundreds of thousands of international students come to Australia for education, only 16 percent choose to stay in the country after completing their studies and utilizing their academic knowledge as Australian residents. “Australia is a leading destination for international students, and yet they remain one of our most underutilized assets,” Jackson said.
“Our current visa system has caused this brain drain, leaving Australia worse off as we battle skill shortages and productivity problems,” Jackson said in a statement. She also pointed out that instead of discouraging international students, measures should be taken to encourage them to remain in the country.
The review notes a failure to prioritize attracting top talents globally, along with difficulties international students encounter when entering the workforce. It also suggested that extending post-study work rights to international students who graduated from Australian institutions could alleviate the problem, but it may not be a complete solution.
“International students make a significant contribution to our communities and the nation while they study, yet too many are unable to pursue work in their chosen profession after they graduate,” she Jackson noted.
Migration can benefit the country by boosting service exports, particularly international students, who contributed $26 billion to the higher education sector in 2019-20, the Erudera reported.
The review also presented options and instructions for Australia’s migration system that were contributed to by organizations and individuals who share the goal of improving the system.
Australian higher education providers saw a total of 360,358 international students enrolled last year. The number of international students who registered for educational programs in Australia between January and November 2022 reached 613,327, which marks a 7 percent rise compared to the same period in 2021.
