Australia’s international education sector is at a turning point. With tightening student visa regulations, an uncertain economic landscape, and increasing competition from global destinations, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of Global Horizons, co-hosts Rob Malicki and Dirk Mulder break down the latest policy shifts, the impact of Reserve Bank decisions, and the broader trends shaping Australia’s role as a study destination.

Special guest Naresh Gulati, a serial edupreneur and founder of Ascent One, shares his incredible journey—from struggling as an international student in Australia to becoming one of the sector’s most influential figures. Naresh pulls no punches as he dissects the flaws in the current visa system, suggests data-driven solutions, and highlights how policy uncertainty is eroding Australia’s education brand.

We also explore a major $1.59M funding boost for Australian students to study in Indonesia, the explosive growth of Germany as an international education hub, and the latest insights from Austrade’s 2024 student sentiment survey. What do these trends mean for universities, students, and policymakers? And how can Australia balance integrity with innovation in the sector?

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society (www.globalsociety.com.au), Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. Subscribe free to stay up to date at www.thekoalanews.com

This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets. Unearth the perfect candidates for your institution at choosingyouruni.com

For guest suggestions and feedback, email ⁠[email protected]⁠

Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.