Australia’s Student Visas for Hongkongers Hit 20-Year Low: Why?

Student Visa Trends for Hongkongers in Australia

Australia has recently issued only 2,600 student visas to Hongkongers for the 2024-25 financial year. This is a significant drop and marks the lowest number of visas granted in two decades. This decline follows a surge in approvals when a specific “study-to-emigrate” pathway was introduced in 2022-23.

Reasons Behind the Decline

An overseas education consultant noted that the decrease in student visas is likely due to Hong Kong expanding its tertiary education offerings.

The latest figures from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs reveal that this drop of four per cent from last year’s 2,717 visas issued is quite striking. It signals a 36 per cent decline from a peak in 2009-10, when over 4,000 visas were granted.

Interestingly, while student visas for Hongkongers are down, the overall number of student visas granted globally has increased by 2% this year, reaching 206,300.

Impact of the “Study-to-Emigrate” Pathway

In the previous financial year, the number of Hongkongers receiving student visas spiked to 3,381, a significant bounce back due to the introduction of the immigration pathway designed specifically for them. This pathway allows Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders who graduate from Australian universities to apply for permanent residency after living in Australia on temporary graduate visas.

To clarify: the temporary graduate visa allows international students to stay in Australia for 18 months to two years after they complete their studies, providing an opportunity to gain work experience and build their careers.

Permanent Residency Offers

As of March this year, the Australian government reported that 796 Hongkongers were granted permanent residency under this policy in 2024-25, bringing the total to 1,846 since the pathway was launched. This scheme has indeed provided a lifeline for many who aspire to settle in Australia long-term.

Will Kwong, managing director of AAS Education, highlights that the decline in student visas for Hongkongers is not just a random occurrence. He points to the increase in local degree programmes in Hong Kong, especially within health sciences. Institutions like Tung Wah College have begun offering more programmes, enabling students to pursue their studies close to home rather than abroad.

The Future of Overseas Studies

Kwong also expresses concern over the future of overseas studies for Hongkongers, especially as the local economy shows signs of slowing. Parents are likely to prioritise job security before making financial commitments to send their children abroad for education.

“No one wants to pull their children out of school due to financial difficulties,” he explains. With Hong Kong’s economy uncertain, parents may deem it wiser to keep their kids closer to home.

Australia’s Appeal as an Education Destination

Despite the recent dip in student visa applications from Hongkongers, an Australian consulate representative in Hong Kong reaffirmed that Australia remains a top choice for international students.

“Australia’s education system has an outstanding global reputation, with many institutions excelling across various disciplines,” the spokesperson noted. They also highlighted Australia’s success in fostering graduate employment, making it an attractive option for students from all over the world.

The latest annual pathway survey from Hong Kong’s Education Bureau showed that out of last year’s secondary school graduates, 338 chose to study in Australia, accounting for 11% of those studying outside their home city. Australia ranks as the third most popular destination for these students, behind mainland China and the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

As trends shift, international job seekers should keep an eye on the evolving educational landscape. Opportunities still exist, especially in professions demanded by the Australian market, bolstered by the immigration pathways available for graduates.

Whether you’re considering studying in Australia or exploring options for permanent residency, it’s essential to stay informed about the changing visa landscape and educational opportunities.

What do you think?

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