This study explores the challenges international students face as they navigate Australia’s complex migration and education systems, revealing how these systems often prioritise economic gains over the wellbeing and future prospects of students.

Purpose of the Report

The primary goal of Carrot or Stick is to spark meaningful changes in the intersection of Australia’s education and migration policies. The report underscores the urgent need for reforms that align educational offerings with the real needs of international students, while ensuring that these students are protected from exploitation and financial hardship.

Key Issues Addressed

• Unclear Residency Pathways: International students are often caught in a cycle of visa renewals and additional course enrollments, hindering their academic and professional aspirations.
• Financial Pressures: The burden of high tuition fees and visa-related costs shifts the focus from learning to meeting migration criteria, raising concerns about the true beneficiaries of the international education system.
• Labor Market Exploitation: Many international students face exploitation in the workforce, exacerbated by restrictive visa conditions and a lack of social safety nets.
• Need for Integrated Policy Reform: The report highlights the need for coordinated policy changes that better address the aspirations of international students and align them with Australia’s skilled migration needs.

Key Recommendations

1. Align Education with Migration Pathways: Ensure that courses and programs offered to international students are closely coordinated with Australia’s skilled migration program, particularly in areas experiencing skills shortages.
2. National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Framework: Develop a framework that integrates practical work experience with academic learning, enhancing students’ employability post-graduation.
3. Legislative Protections for Students: Enforce compliance obligations that require education providers to offer robust career development, wellbeing support, and work rights education for international students.
4. Access to Legal Support: Increase funding for community-based legal and migration advice services to ensure international students can access justice.
5. Anti-Discrimination Laws: Amend federal and state laws to prohibit discrimination against international students and temporary migrant workers based on their visa status.
6. Pathway to Residency: Introduce a one-time pathway to residency for temporary workers who supported the Australian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.