Vietnamese students: could Australia's proposed student cut change your study plans?

Tips · 2026-09-15 · 3 min read

Are you planning to study in Australia? Then you may have heard some news. A political party has made a proposal. It wants to reduce the number of international students from roughly 590,000 to 350,000. It also wants to cut the places for graduates who stay to work, from 270,000 to 40,000. This is only a proposal. It is not a law. But let us look at why it matters.

Why are university leaders worried?

Universities say international students do much more than add to migration numbers. Their fees help to pay for a lot of university work.

International fees are around 27 per cent of total university income.
This links back to the Job Ready Graduates policy from 2020. That policy changed how much money universities get to teach local students.
Fees also help to pay for research. Universities do most of the research in Australia.

Leaders warn that deep cuts could close campuses, make it harder for local students to find a place, and cost university staff their jobs.

There is another side

The idea did not come from nowhere. After the pandemic, the number of international students grew to record levels. In some universities, international students were close to half of all students. Some people asked if communities could support this. The government already introduced caps two years ago. The education sector expects more limits, no matter who sets the policy.

Do graduates matter to Australia?

Yes, according to education leaders. Students who study in Australia and then go home often become leaders in their own countries. That builds friendship between countries. Fewer students could weaken this link.

What should you do?

Nothing changes today because of a proposal. Still, rules for students can change over time. These steps can help:

Pick a course because it fits your career. Do not choose it only for the chance to stay and work after you graduate.
Keep your papers ready. Ask for certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents where the visa rules require them.
Check if you need an IELTS or PTE test, and book early.
If a police certificate is requested, Vietnamese citizens usually apply for the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).

Protect yourself

News like this can make people anxious. Some people use that fear to take your money. Deal only with licensed organisations and real schools. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a place or a visa.

Look at official information

Visa rules come from the Australian government, not from proposals. You can read the official information on the Department of Home Affairs website. Stay calm, keep learning, and make your plan one step at a time.

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