The Albanese government plans to cut new arrivals by about 250,000 a year by targeting universities and colleges considered the highest risk of accepting students coming to Australia to work rather than study.
Australia implemented stricter student visa regulations in March this year amid a surge in migration, significantly impacting Indian students. The crackdown, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, includes higher IELTS scores and increased financial requirements, leading to a decline in international student numbers since 2023.
The move has raised concerns about alleged targeted visa rejections and strained relations between Canberra and New Delhi. According to The Guardian, visas granted to Indian students fell by 48% between December 2022 and December 2023, with similar declines for students from Nepal and Pakistan, aligning with Australia’s goal to halve net migration by 2025.
Government Reforms and Visa Restrictions
Under the leadership of Anthony Albanese, the Australian government has introduced various reforms to curb unauthorized entry for work and permanent residency. These reforms involve stringent eligibility criteria, enhanced English-language assessments, and additional guidelines for education agents facilitating the enrollment of international students.
According to a report in India Today, the visa refusal is intended to curb non-serious international students, who use study visas to work and immigrate to Australia.
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Challenges Faced by Indian Students
Statistics shared by the Indian High Commission in Canberra show that 1.22 lakh Indian students studied in Australia between January and September 2023. Reports indicate a significant rise in visa rejections, with one in five students facing denials by March this year. Nepalese and Pakistani visa approvals have also plummeted by 53% and 55%, respectively, during the same period.
The Albanese government plans to cut new arrivals by about 250,000 a year by targeting universities and colleges considered the highest risk of accepting students coming to Australia to work rather than study, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report in April.
It said that some universities were moving to ban or limit certain nationalities to protect their own standing amid the Albanese government’s immigration crackdown.
“Authorities rejected 21% of visa applications lodged from overseas in the second half of last year, with refusal rates reaching 37% for applications from Pakistan, 39% from India and 52% from Nepal,” according to a Times Higher Education report in February.
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University Policy Changes and Student Impact
The crackdown on visa approvals has compelled several Australian universities to revise their policies, with some imposing a blanket ban on Indian students. Processing delays have led to numerous students deferring or withdrawing their applications, while others face suspensions due to additional requirements.
Central Queensland University, for instance, announced the cessation of English language programs for Indian and Nepalese students, as well as restrictions on enrolments for individuals over 25 or married, except for research placements.
