“International education is one of Australia’s great success stories – it supports and creates jobs, builds lasting international ties and contributes $55 billion to the economy each year,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

 “We’ve built it into the powerhouse sector it is today with bipartisan support – until recently.

 “After two years of instability and policy swings, what the sector and students need now is stability, certainty and a clear long-term strategy.

 “International students are not the low-hanging fruit both sides of politics are treating them as in the migration debate.

 “Independent analysis shows international students comprise only around six per cent of Australia’s rental market, with almost 40 per cent living outside the general rental market entirely.

 “Significant cuts to international student numbers would have real consequences for the economy and our universities at a time both are doing it tough.

 “Australia cannot afford another race to the bottom driven by stop-start policy settings, political signalling or measures that damage our economy, our universities and our global reputation.”