Australia Unveils New Details on Enrolment Caps Amid Sector Concerns

By Neerav November 10, 2024
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Australia’s Senate Estimates have shed light on the distribution of enrolment caps under the proposed ESOS Amendment Bill, stirring further debate within the country’s higher education sector. The Bill, which seeks to limit international student enrolments starting in January 2025, has sparked criticism due to concerns over job losses and financial strain on institutions.

Ben Rimmer, Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, clarified that institutions currently exceeding their 2025 enrolment caps would need to adjust if the legislation is passed. Despite the Bill’s uncertainty, some universities, including UNSW Sydney and Australian Catholic University, have already begun implementing preventative measures, such as waitlists and recruitment freezes for 2025.

Australia’s universities are facing a financial crisis, with institutions like Macquarie University announcing 200 job cuts due to a revenue shortfall of AUD 35 million. Similarly, the University of Canberra is set to cut at least 200 positions by 2025 to address budget deficits.

The Bill also allows some institutions with multiple campuses, such as Monash University, to redistribute caps across locations. However, this flexibility does not extend to entities under different ownership, such as Navitas-owned La Trobe College and La Trobe University.

While concerns mount over the Bill’s impact on Australia’s appeal to international students, officials maintain that demand remains strong, with enrolments reportedly up by 10% compared to last year.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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