International student caps would have negative consequences for accounting

CPA Australia says proposals from both major parties to cap the number of international students who can study in Australia would have negative consequences for the accounting profession. 

Gavan Ord, CPA Australia’s Business Investment and International Lead, said:

“Any proposals to cap the number of international students coming to Australia must be carefully considered and debated. Wrong steps can have significant short and long-term implications for Australia.

“Australia is already experiencing a shortage of qualified accountants and many other occupations amid soaring demand, and tertiary education is a critical pipeline to train new accountants.  

“Any measures that cut the number of genuine international students who wish to study accounting in Australian universities would exacerbate this shortage. It would have a negative knock-on effect to Australian business and the economy.

“Australia is at risk of being left behind if we do not attract the next generation of accountants, auditors and other critical occupations.”