By Mitesh Malhotra
National President, Study Abroad Consultants Association (SACA)

The recent proposal by Australia’s Coalition to cap international student numbers at 240,000 is deeply concerning—not just for students, but for the global reputation of Australia as a welcoming education destination.

As someone who has guided over 25,000 students toward their international education dreams, I can say with confidence: this is not the solution.

We at the Study Abroad Consultants Association (SACA) respect Australia’s right to make sovereign decisions, and we do not wish to interfere in domestic political matters. However, when a policy has direct implications for students, universities, and education consultants across the world, it becomes our responsibility to express concern.

Let’s be honest: Australia’s housing crisis is real—but international students are not the cause. And certainly, they should not be the scapegoat.

A Thousand Other Solutions Exist

Experts and economists have proposed numerous actionable ideas to address Australia’s housing shortage, These include:

• Freeing up more land for housing,
• Accelerating building approvals and planning processes,
• Encouraging build-to-rent developments,
• Offering rental tax incentives for long-term housing,
• Investing in public infrastructure and housing innovation.

These are practical, long-term solutions that address the root of the crisis. Capping student visas is, at best, a short-sighted diversion.

International Students Are Part of the Solution, Not the Problem

Let’s not forget: international students contribute over $40 billion annually to Australia’s economy. They:

• Support regional businesses and jobs,
• Address skill shortages through post-study work,
• Build lifelong connections with Australia that drive future tourism, trade, and investment.

By reducing their numbers, we risk damaging a sector that Australia has spent decades nurturing.

Our Appeal

We respectfully urge policymakers and stakeholders in Australia to not let international students become collateral damage in the fight against housing issues. The world is watching, and students are listening.

Australia’s strength has always been its openness. Let’s not build barriers—let’s build better solutions.