MRC Report: International Student Course-Hopping

UNIVERSITY COMPLICITY AND GOVERNMENT INACTION

Published: 21 January 2026

This report examines a sharp rise in international student attrition (dropout rates) at Australian universities and what it reveals about the growing misuse of the student visa system.

Using newly released Department of Education data, the report shows that first-year dropout rates among international undergraduate students have risen to historically high levels. While attrition alone does not prove intent, the scale, concentration and timing of these dropouts strongly suggest that a growing number of students are enrolling at Australian universities without any intention of completing their degrees.

The analysis finds that this behaviour is closely linked to lower-cost degrees and capital-city branch campuses operated by regional universities. Many students appear to be using university enrolment as a pathway to access Australia’s labour market through student and bridging visas, before transferring to cheaper vocational courses or lodging appeals that allow them to remain and work in Australia for extended periods.

The report documents a dramatic increase in the number of people on bridging visas while applying for new student visas after switching educational institutions, as well as a surge in student visa appeals before the Administrative Review Tribunal. Together, these trends raise serious concerns about the integrity of the migration system, pressures on housing and services, and the reputation of Australia’s international education sector.

The report proposes targeted reforms to restore integrity to the student visa program while protecting Australia’s legitimate international education industry.