Reputation as a study destination

• International education, the $48 billion dollar sector, relies heavily on word of mouth.
• Despite a relatively high satisfaction rate with their study experience in Australia, only half of the students we surveyed are willing to recommend Australia to others from their country.

Source: Future Forte Survey (n=38)​

Sentiment over the years​

• Significant dip in sentiment in 2024 following visa policy announcements, poised to be the lowest since COVID-19 period.

Source: Voyage Insights​

• Student sentiment is high before arriving in Australia, driven by the country's positive reputation and promotion through educational agents. However, sentiment drops significantly once they experience onshore realities, especially amid recent policy changes.​

Source: Future Forte Survey (n=38)​

Response to recent policy changes​

• There is high awareness of recent policy changes. Most students are aware of visa fee hikes, reduced post-study work visa durations, and other policy changes. ​

Source: Future Forte Survey (n=38)​

• Students expressed overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with strong emotions ranging from anger, sadness and disgust. ​

Source: Voyage Insights – 1 July 2024​

• Students expressed particularly negatively towards sudden visa fee hikes, requirements for applicants to be offshore, and the unproven statement that international students are to blame for the housing crisis.​

Source: Future Forte Survey (n=38); Rating ranges from 1 to 10.​

• Feeling of being used as a "cash cow"​
• Financial burden and visa difficulties​
• Unfair housing crisis perceptions​
• Reduced support and job opportunities​