Australia Sees Record Number of International Students Arrive in February

Student Boom in Australia: 197,000 Arrivals Spark Political and Housing Talks

Australia welcomed nearly 200,000 international students in February 2025, marking a new record for student arrivals in just one month. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 197,000 students arrived — a 7.3% increase compared to the previous record of 187,900 in February 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This sharp rise comes just as both major political parties are talking about reducing migration, with international students now at the center of the discussion.

Why the February Spike?
Each year, February is the busiest time for student arrivals because it lines up with the first semester intake at universities and colleges across the country. In total, 1.79 million people entered Australia that month, while 1.49 million left. However, short-term visitor numbers dropped compared to last year.

Politics and Migration Policy
The number of international students has grown rapidly since the pandemic. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton recently promised to cap student arrivals at 240,000 per year, saying this would help ease the housing crisis and reduce pressure on public services.

He pointed out that under the Labor government, the number of international students had grown from 520,000 in 2022 to over 850,000 in 2025. He claimed that limiting migration was key to making home ownership more achievable for Australians.

Labor, on the other hand, tried to set a higher cap of 270,000 last year but was blocked by the Coalition and the Greens. Since then, the government has tightened student visa rules, including higher English test requirements and a visa fee increase to $1,600.

Government’s View
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government is working to bring migration back to a “normal level” after a post-COVID spike. He confirmed that migration would be addressed in the upcoming budget, along with plans to build more homes.

Impact on Education and the Economy
Education leaders have warned that cutting international student numbers could seriously hurt universities and the economy. Universities Australia said the sector brings in over $50 billion each year and supports more than 250,000 jobs.

Their chief executive, Luke Sheehy, said reducing student numbers by tens of thousands would damage one of the country’s biggest export industries.

What the Data Shows
Although February saw record arrivals, the total number of student visa approvals actually dropped in the first two months of 2025 — from 60,492 last year to 53,902 this year. That’s a sign the new visa rules are already starting to slow things down.

Are Students Really Causing the Rental Crisis?
A study from the University of South Australia argued that international students are not the main reason behind the rental shortage. The report said they are only a small part of the bigger housing problem.

The Bigger Picture
In 2022–2023, net overseas migration hit a record high of 536,000 people. It dropped slightly to 446,000 in 2023–2024, but it's still above the government’s target of 395,000.

Out of all migrants, international students made up the largest group — 207,000 people.

The debate continues, with some saying migration is putting pressure on housing and services, while others argue that cutting student numbers will hurt the economy and education sector.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general awareness and educational purposes only. While Myedugoal strives to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of any data or statements included. Readers are encouraged to verify information with official sources or consult with relevant authorities for any decisions related to migration, education, or government policies. Myedugoal is not affiliated with any political party or government body. Our goal is to provide clear, unbiased insights to support students, educators, and the wider community.

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