“The risk-rating system has morphed from its original intent into something that resembles Frankenstein’s bride – it is no longer fit for purpose,” Ferguson said.
Now a pro vice-chancellor at Charles Sturt University,he said the simplified student visa framework had reached its use-by date after Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil in December told bureaucrats to prioritise visa processing for the least risky institutions. This had created a backlash throughout the sector and meant universities had to cancel enrolments.
Risk ratings,which are also known as evidence levels,are determined by factors such as the number of visa cancellations and refusals associated with certain providers and countries.
Ten universities will face greater difficulties recruiting international students – a key source of revenue – after they slid from first to second-tier institutions on Wednesday in the latest reshuffle of risk ratings conducted by Home Affairs.
They are among 114 providers whose rankings have worsened based on data from January to the end of December last year,which captures the first fortnight after O’Neil’s directive to the department. The rankings of 47 institutions improved.
Following lobbying from parts of the sector,O’Neil said the government would consider pausing September’s update in risk ratings to help universities and international colleges adjust to the significant changes,which are aimed at improving integrity and reducing migration.