Jun 19, 2026 – 4.33pmAustralia’s top universities are bracing for a decline in demand from Chinese students seeking degrees; they warn that the heated political debate over migration and the government’s stringent visa settings are eating into the lucrative market.Offshore Chinese student visa applications were down almost 30 per cent in April compared to the same time last year, prompting worry within parts of the sector that rely on international student fees to subsidise domestic students and research.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Chinese student demand drops, creating major headache for unis
Offshore student visa applications from China were down almost 30 per cent in April compared to the same time last year.
TL;DRAI
Chinese student visa applications to Australia dropped 30% YoY in April amid stricter migration policies. Universities face revenue pressure on research funding as international fees historically subsidize domestic education and STEM investment.
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