Offshore applications still spiralling out of control

Offshore student visa applications tumbled 20 per cent in 2010-11 in worrying market signal. But applications from international students who are currently in Australia have helped contain the total fall to a more modest 5 per cent. 
 
Offshore applications are a key indicator of future demand.Total visa applications, which include onshore applications, were down 5 per cent, compared with a 19 per cent fall in 2009-10.

In its June quarter summary the Department of Immigration said the fall in applications appeared to be stabilising. It noted that monthly applications so far this year have been higher than last year in every month except April. But that is largely due to higher numbers of onshore applications reflecting churn in existing students rather than new growth.

Nevertheless, offshore applications for June of 16,873 was up slightly from 16,798 in June 2010.
The Indian market has been the hardest hit by the fall in offshore applications, with applications free-falling 63 per cent. The Indian market had driven the previous boom that had been stoked by demand from students seeking immigration opportunities. The market was punctured in 2009 by some highly publicised assaults on Indian students, a crack down on immigration rorts, tighter immigration rules, and a strong Australian dollar.

Worryingly, offshore applications from China, Australia's largest international student market, were down 24 per cent.Offshore higher education visa applications were down 17 per cent, while total applications were down 3 per cent.Offshore applications for vocational education and training tumbled 44 per cent, but higher onshore applications meant total applications were down 5 per cent.Offshore applications for English language student visas were down 15 per cent, while total applications were down 13 per cent.Separately, Australian Education International has released data showing international student commencements are down 6.8 per cent in the year to June.

Higher education commencements, which mainly reflects universities, were down 0.9 per cent. However VET was down 4.1 per cent and the English language sector was down 16 per cent. Both these sectors are key feeders into universities.

Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/offshore-applications-still-spiralling-out-of-control/story-e6frgcjx-1226106148900