Australia tightens immigration rules for foreign students' family

Amid growing debate over high immigration numbers, Australia will stop foreign students from bringing partners and children to accompany them while they study as well as tighten working holiday visa rules.

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke revealed the changes to immigration rules, promising to cut net overseas migration from the current 300,000 to 225,000 by 2028.

The Australian government will restrict visas for the family members of international students under immigration changes.

But some universities warn the changes could discourage overseas students from choosing Australia for further studies.

According to local media outlets, the overall cap on international student numbers is not expected to be directly affected.

Official figures show Australia issued more than 337,000 student visas in the last fiscal year.

Among them, more than 45,000 were granted to secondary applicants -- meaning the spouses and children of international students.