The USD 18 billion education export sector complains the crackdown has been too heavy-handed, 'The Australian' reported. The worst-hit stream that has reported a drop of 18 per cent is the English language sector, where enrolments are down by almost 20,000 students.
Experts have warned that further college collapses and job losses were expected. Last week, English language college HHH International in Brisbane collapsed with debts of more than USD 1 million, stranding more than 200 students.
About 40 staff will lose their jobs. The report said as at the end of August, total international student enrolments were down 0.4 per cent from a year ago at 561,269. Commencements have dropped nearly 9 per cent accounting the loss of 26,000 students.
Enrolments in higher education remain up 8.7 per cent but commencement growth has slowed to just 2.6 per cent compared with 5.6 per cent at the end of July. English Language Australia executive director Sue Blundell said the high Australian dollar was a key factor, but she also blamed the visa crackdown.