Australia and New Zealand are likely to stagnate as international education destinations relative to competitors according to a report from QS.
High visa costs and limitations on places could see international student numbers grow 2% annually in Australia to 2030, while important sources of students such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, India and Hong Kong would grow as education destinations, according to a QS report. New Zealand would enjoy a 5% growth as it recovers its market position, the report said.
“A more stringent policy environment – where the country’s student visa fee has become the most expensive in the world and visa allocations are set at individual institutions – could depress the 2% growth forecast in coming years,” Jessica Turner, CEO of QS Quacquarelli Symonds said.
The report said that Australian institutions risked being left behind by competitors in Asia and Middle East.
“Students are becoming more selective, and driven by institutional reputation, inclusiveness, and post-study outcomes. In a low-growth environment, where growing market share is the key to success, institutions need to prove their value proposition and demonstrate clear return on students’ investment,” the report said.
Declining perceptions of employers, graduate skills and negative press about immigration and international students had all contributed to the forecast for softening demand, according to QS.
However, changes to the geopolitical landscape could also work in Australia’s favour as a relatively safe and stable study destination, the report said.