ITECA concerned about proposed cap on international students

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Freya Lucas

Sep 12, 2024

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The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has expressed concern about the proposed 2025 caps on the number of international skills training students, saying that if the caps go ahead as planned up to 300 independent colleges are expected to close.

A number of sectors and industries, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) could then experience flow-on effects with a reduction in graduates contributing to workforce issues.

“The impact of these cuts on the number of international students able to come to Australia is staggering with up to 300 independent colleges expected to close. Their employees will lose their jobs, as will other employees in colleges that will have to scale down to survive,” Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive said.

The Australian Government recently released details of the proposed 2025 caps on the number of international skills training students, leaving ITECA members “perplexed, bewildered, and deeply worried,” Mr Williams continued.

ITECA has reissued its call for a long-term strategy for international education that creates a framework where the sector can operate sustainably, jobs are protected, and international students feel welcome.

According to ITECA, the Australian Government needs to “rethink its approach” to consider the impact on the sector more completely, restoring an evidence-based approach to policy making.

“The most sensible thing to do, given the proximity to the 2025 academic year, would be to delay the commencement of the caps for at least six months. This allows the Australian Government to be transparent in its methodology and develop a sustainable approach that supports quality RTOs and the people they employ”, Mr Williams concluded.

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