International students make up about 7% of Australia's private rental market, increasing to over 20% in inner Sydney and Melbourne.

Legislation to limit student arrivals is currently stalled in the senate, facing delays in reporting timelines.

Australia's migrant intake for the 2023-24 financial year is projected to exceed 400,000, significantly surpassing the federal government's targets.

The Albanese government aims to reduce migration from a record high of 528,000 in 2022-23 to 260,000 by 2024-25.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to manage rising population growth amid a housing crisis.

Dutton linked the high migration numbers to increased living costs, stating it has exacerbated housing affordability issues.

Despite the government's efforts, data shows that net overseas migration continues to decline, with 133,800 migrants added in the March 2024 quarter, down 32,000 from the previous year.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a net increase of 388,000 overseas migrants in the first nine months of 2023-24, just 7,000 short of the government's full-year forecast.

The Centre for Population highlighted low departure rates among temporary migrants, which contribute to elevated net migration figures.

Education Minister Jason Clare indicated that a combination of international students, backpackers, and visa overstayers is driving migration numbers beyond government forecasts.

Former immigration official Abul Rizvi noted that a surge in international students contributed to the higher migration numbers in early 2024.

The education department's analysis revealed that half of the 696,162 student visa holders are in the private rental market, with an additional 135,000 expected next year.