Universities slam 'race to the bottom' on international students

The university sector is pushing back against One Nation's migration plan, which would cut hundreds of thousands of international student and graduate places over three years. Pauline Hanson says she's reflecting the will of the people, but industry leaders say the policy could wreak havoc on the economy and worsen skills shortages. The policy has also prompted fresh calls for reform and investment in research and education.In this podcast episode, we hear how One Nation's proposed migration cuts have triggered strong opposition from universities, student groups and industry leaders, who argue the policy would harm education, research, economic growth and Australia's skilled workforce.The main points:One Nation has proposed major migration cuts:The party wants to reduce migration by more than 750,000 places over three years, targeting international students, graduate visa holders, skilled migrants and their families.Universities warn of serious economic and research impacts:University leaders argue the cuts would damage Australia's international education sector, reduce research funding, hurt the economy, and put jobs at risk. They say international education contributes billions of dollars annually.The policy has become part of a broader political debate:Critics from the university sector say One Nation is not alone in seeking tighter student migration settings, arguing both Labor and the Coalition have also supported measures such as student caps and visa restrictions.International students and universities reject claims they are "visa factories"Student representatives say international students have not been properly consulted in the debate and support stronger quality controls rather than arbitrary visa cuts. Universities argue most international students return home after graduating and are not using study as a migration pathway.Business groups warn the cuts could worsen skills shortages:Industry leaders say reducing skilled migration and graduate visas could deepen existing labour shortages in sectors such as engineering, healthcare, aged care, trades and cybersecurity. They are calling for a more efficient and transparent migration system instead of large reductions.