A sharp decline in international student enrollments is straining university budgets, as visa delays and political tensions over immigration deter prospective students, particularly in regional areas. With universities filling only about two-thirds of their allocated spots on average, financial pressures are mounting, raising fears that budget shortfalls could eventually impact domestic students. The trend is most pronounced outside major cities, where just a handful of public universities have managed to exceed 80% capacity. Experts warn the situation could worsen if current uncertainties persist, threatening the stability of higher education institutions nationwide.
Immigration debate and visa uncertainty is putting students off and increasing pressure on budgetsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastUniversity leaders warn they’re struggling to fill international student places due to visa uncertainty and heated political debate on immigration, with regional areas hit the hardest and concern that financial deficits could affect domestic students.The latest numbers from the Department of Education in October show on average universities are filling just two-thirds of their allocated places, and just five public universities have reached more than 80% capacity, all in capital cities. Continue reading...
