One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has called for tighter rules on international student visas, proposing that foreign students should be required to leave Australia before applying for another study visa.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hanson said the current system is being misused, with some international students allegedly extending their stay through repeated course changes, visa applications and appeals, including asylum claims.
She argued that some students engage in “course-hopping” — enrolling in one program to secure a visa, then withdrawing and switching to another course while remaining in Australia on bridging visas.
According to Hanson, this practice increases temporary migration numbers and adds pressure on housing and public services.
Hanson also criticised some universities, claiming they prioritise income from international students over academic standards and outcomes.
Under One Nation’s proposed policy, students who discontinue their studies would need to return to their home country before applying for a new student visa. The party also wants to limit access to visa appeals for students who fail to meet visa conditions and prevent them from staying in Australia on bridging visas while reapplying.
She said these changes are necessary to reduce what she described as system abuse and to ensure stronger control over migration levels. The proposal is part of One Nation’s wider plan to reduce temporary migration and cut international student intake.
However, the federal government and universities maintain that international education is a major economic contributor, supporting jobs, research, and broader economic growth across Australia.