Australia rejects allegations of state-based visa curbs for Indian students

Australia has firmly denied reports suggesting that student visa applications from certain Indian states are facing restrictions or bans.

“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect,” said a spokesperson from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi on April 22.

“There are over 125,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia – the second largest cohort of students from any country – and the Australian Government continues to process Indian student visa applications in line with our global standards,” the spokesperson added.

Addressing the broader context, the spokesperson reaffirmed the strength of the Australia-India education partnership, saying, “India and Australia continue to have a very strong relationship in the field of education. Australia deeply values Indian students, and the Australian government welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and Australian society.”

These remarks come amid reports suggesting that several Australian universities had paused or limited student visa applications from six Indian states, citing concerns over visa compliance.

Education continues to be a cornerstone of the Australia-India relationship, not only as a means of people-to-people connection but also as a driver of mutual growth.

In 2022 alone, education accounted for Australia’s largest service export to India, valued at $4.4 billion.

By 2023, Indian students represented about 16% of international enrollments in Australia, with 126,487 enrollments recorded.

Australia has reiterated its commitment to deepening its education ties with India through increased institutional collaboration, innovation in delivery methods, and enhanced research cooperation.

Notably, a milestone in this partnership was marked in March 2023 when Education Ministers from both countries signed the first-ever Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, facilitating smoother academic mobility between Australia and India.

That same month, during his visit to India, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Deakin University would become the first foreign university to establish a teaching campus in India.

The University of Wollongong has since followed suit, receiving approval to open a campus at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).