New Delhi– The Australian government on Tuesday firmly denied reports suggesting that student visa applications from certain Indian states are being banned or restricted.
“The assertion that applications from specific Indian states are being banned or restricted is incorrect,” a spokesperson for the Australian High Commission in New Delhi said. “There are currently over 125,000 Indian students studying in Australia — the second-largest international student cohort — and the Australian government continues to process Indian student visa applications in accordance with our global standards.”
The spokesperson emphasized Australia’s strong educational ties with India, stating, “India and Australia share a robust relationship in the field of education. Australia deeply values Indian students and welcomes their contributions to our classrooms and broader society.”
The clarification follows recent media reports claiming that several Australian universities had curbed student visa applications from six Indian states as part of a broader crackdown. However, no such policy has been confirmed by the Australian government.
The education partnership between Australia and India remains a cornerstone of the two countries’ bilateral relationship. It serves as a vital link between their communities, helps build future-ready workforces, and drives economic growth.
Education is Australia’s largest service export to India, valued at $4.4 billion in 2022. In 2023, Indian student enrollments in Australia totaled 126,487, representing approximately 16 percent of all international students in the country.
Australia has reiterated its commitment to strengthening educational collaboration with India through increased institutional cooperation, innovative delivery models, and expanded research partnerships.
In March 2023, the education ministers of both nations signed the Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications between Australia and India, the first agreement of its kind between the two countries. This mechanism facilitates the recognition of academic qualifications, improving access to higher education across both nations.
During his visit to India in March 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Deakin University would become the first foreign university approved to open an international teaching campus in India. Shortly after, the University of Wollongong received approval to establish a campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
These initiatives underscore the enduring strength and future growth of the Australia-India education partnership. (Source: IANS)
