Australia saw a surge in student visa withdrawals, with over 15,300 international students abandoning applications in 2024 due to delays and stricter rules.
Surge in Student Visa Withdrawals: Over 15,000 International Students Abandon Australia in 2024
Australia experienced a notable surge in student visa withdrawals last year, as thousands of international students opted to pull out of the application process.
According to official government data, more than 15,300 international students withdrew their student visa applications in 2024, accounting for 3.6% of all applications submitted. This marks a significant rise compared to previous years—only 4,156 applications were withdrawn in 2019, while 5,700 students abandoned their applications in 2023.
Why Are Students Withdrawing Their Australian Visa Applications?
A major factor contributing to this sharp increase is the prolonged processing time for student visas. Andrew Norton, a higher education expert, highlighted that many applicants are becoming frustrated with extended wait times and choosing alternative study destinations.
In June 2024, the average processing time for student visas in Australia reached:
- 94 days for students applying for higher education programs
- 171 days for vocational education applicants
Faced with such delays, many international students have decided to cut their losses rather than endure the uncertainty. Norton pointed out that it is logical for students to seek alternative education options when processing times drag on for months.
Will Stricter Visa Rules in 2025 Lead to More Withdrawals?
With Australia introducing tougher student visa requirements in 2025, experts predict that withdrawals may continue at a similar rate. However, this does not necessarily mean a decline in the number of international students choosing Australia as their study destination.
Australia Sets Record for International Student Arrivals in February 2025
Despite the growing number of withdrawals, international student interest in Australia remains exceptionally strong in 2025.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that February 2025 saw an all-time high in student arrivals, with 201,490 international students entering the country. This represents a 15% surge compared to February 2019, which previously held the record for the highest number of incoming students.
A former deputy of the Department of Home Affairs disclosed that approximately 700,000 international students are currently studying in Australia, making them a major demographic within the country.
However, the former official also warned that Australia lacks effective measures to regulate student numbers, raising concerns about overcrowding and strain on resources. As a result, authorities may consider implementing additional restrictions to curb the growing influx of foreign students.
While visa processing delays and policy changes have influenced some students’ decisions to withdraw, the overall demand for Australian education remains at record levels, reinforcing the country’s status as a top global study destination.
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