By Vertika
An interim report by the Australian Human Rights Commission reveals widespread racism faced by international students at Australian universities. The Respect At Uni study, commissioned by the government, uncovers patterns of exclusion, discrimination, and insufficient social support, with many students reluctant to report racism due to fears of visa repercussions. The report criticises institutions for treating international students as “cash cows” and failing to create inclusive campus environments.
For years, Australia has been a top destination for international students seeking quality education and better opportunities. Students from across the globe come to Australia, investing their hard-earned savings, dreams, and time in pursuit of a brighter future. However, in recent years, many international students have found themselves facing shifting immigration policies, which have left them uncertain and struggling to navigate their future in the country.
One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is the Australian government’s tendency to frequently change the rules governing international students, often with little or no regard for the personal and financial investments these students have made. These ongoing policy shifts not only disrupt students’ futures but also create an atmosphere of instability and frustration for those who have already invested years of their lives and substantial amounts of money in their education and stay in Australia.
Many students enrol in long-term programs, believing they’ll have ample time to complete their studies and gain work experience after graduation. However, the government has continually shifted the rules, changing eligibility for post-study work rights or pathways to permanent residency, leaving students vulnerable to sudden shifts in their plans. As these students work hard towards completing a course that could take two years or more, they are often forced to reassess their futures as new policies are introduced. One of the most painful rule changes in recent times has been the government’s decision to reduce the eligibility age for the Temporary Resident (TR) visa to 35 years. This decision has been a significant blow to many students older than 35, rendering them ineligible for post-study work rights, regardless of how much they’ve invested in their education.
The emotional toll on international students cannot be understated. Many have invested their life savings and borrowed money to fund their studies. Some have even sold property or taken loans to finance their education, believing that the post-graduation work rights would allow them to recover their investment, support their families, and build a future in Australia. For these students, studying in Australia was not just about education, but about securing a better future for themselves and their families. With the sudden changes in immigration rules, many students now face the painful reality of having to abandon these dreams. They are being forced to return home, empty-handed, after investing countless hours and substantial sums into their education and future.
What makes these policy shifts even more distressing is the lack of support for students who are already in Australia. There has been little to no clear transition or guidance for those who arrived under previous rules, only to be told midway through their studies that the goalposts have been moved again. The unpredictability of these changes has left international students vulnerable, without adequate time to adjust or seek alternative options. Many are in the middle of their courses, having committed years of their lives to studying and living in Australia.
The decision to tighten the TR visa eligibility requirements for students already in Australia means they have almost no opportunity to transition into a post-graduation work visa, significantly hindering their ability to secure employment. This not only impacts students but also their families, especially those with children who may have been hoping for a life in Australia after graduation. The tightening of the TR visa rules has left some students in a position where they are no longer eligible to stay in Australia, even though their children are part of the education system in the country. This uncertainty places an additional burden on students and their families, who now have no clear answers about their future in Australia.
The Australian government must take responsibility for the significant impact its policy changes have had on international students and their families. These students are not just numbers on a ledger; they are individuals with dreams, families, and futures that have been heavily invested in an Australian education. They have contributed significantly to the Australian economy, both financially through tuition fees and by adding to the cultural richness of the country. The constant shifting of immigration policies has not only created confusion but has also placed an unnecessary strain on the lives of those who have already made substantial investments.
It is time for the government to adopt a more fair and transparent approach, ensuring that students who have already invested in their education and life in Australia are not left stranded by sudden changes in rules. A fairer system would implement proper transition periods for those already in the country, giving students time to adjust and plan for their future. Policies should be designed with careful consideration of the human impact they will have on individuals who have trusted the system and made sacrifices to study in Australia.
If Australia truly wants to maintain its reputation as a top destination for international students, it must show more consistency, fairness, and respect for those who come to its shores in good faith. The current approach, with frequent rule changes and little regard for the sacrifices students make, not only harms individual students but risks damaging Australia’s standing as a global leader in education. A fair, consistent, and transparent policy framework is essential, not only for the future of international education in Australia but also for the moral obligation the nation owes to those who choose to invest their lives in this land of opportunity.
Contributing Author: Vertika, an MBA student, is currently pursuing her studies in Melbourne.
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