One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has called for foreign students to be required to leave Australia before applying for further study visas, arguing the current system is being exploited and contributing to rising migration pressures.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Hanson said some international students were using Australia’s visa system to remain in the country through repeated visa applications, appeals and asylum claims, rather than pursuing genuine education opportunities.
“Foreign students should be required to return home before applying for further study in Australia to prevent abuse of the immigration system and reduce the backlog in deporting unlawful non-citizens,” Hanson said.
The One Nation leader claimed that “course-hopping” had become increasingly common, with some students allegedly enrolling in courses to obtain visas before withdrawing and applying for other study programs while remaining in Australia on bridging visas.
Hanson argued that the practice contributes to Australia’s temporary migration numbers and places additional pressure on housing and public services.
“Many of these people are occupying homes and accessing services that should be for Australians first,” she said.
She also criticised Australian universities, accusing some institutions of prioritising revenue from international students over educational outcomes.
“The system is being scammed, and universities addicted to foreign student money are part of the problem,” Hanson said.
As part of its proposed policy, One Nation wants foreign students who discontinue their studies to be prevented from remaining in Australia on bridging visas while applying for further courses. The party also proposes restricting access to appeal processes through the Administrative Review Tribunal for students who fail to meet visa requirements.
Hanson cited figures showing the number of foreign students on bridging visas had increased significantly over recent years, arguing that stronger measures were needed to maintain the integrity of Australia’s migration system.
The proposal forms part of One Nation’s broader immigration and population policy agenda, which has focused on reducing temporary migration and limiting international student numbers.
The federal government and universities have previously argued that international education remains one of Australia’s largest export industries, supporting jobs, research funding and economic activity across the country.
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