The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has vehemently denied media accusations that some Australian educational institutions are restricting or banning student applications from particular Indian states.
“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect,” said a spokesperson at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi. A sizable section of Australia’s international student body is made up of Indian students, the official continued. According to the spokesman, there are currently over 125,000 Indian students enrolled at Australian universities, making them the second-largest group of students from any nation.
Highlighting the close relationship between India and Australia in the education sector, the spokesperson said: “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.”
Speaking on the subject during a weekly news briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal agreed that the host nation has the final say over immigration decisions. “Visa matters are sovereign matters. Whether Australia wants to issue a visa to X or Y, it’s their prerogative. So that is how we look at it,” Jaiswal stated.
In the meantime, as part of larger immigration reforms meant to alleviate the nation’s housing issue, Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has suggested a sharp decline in the number of overseas students. “ANNOUNCED: We will cap international student numbers and reduce permanent migration by 25 per cent—freeing up nearly 40,000 homes in the first year,” Dutton said in a post on social platform X.
He maintained that Australia’s present immigration policy was severely affecting the affordability and availability of housing, particularly in large cities. According to The Australia Today, he pledged to reduce the number of students admitted by 80,000, claiming that this would assist alleviate the housing problem and facilitate the purchase of homes by young Australians. “Since the previous election, international student numbers have increased by 65 per cent—from 5,20,000 to over 8,50,000—coinciding with a 25 per cent rise in median rent across the country,” he added.
International students and those involved in education in both nations are concerned about Dutton’s proposal, even though it has not yet been put into practice and is still merely a political position rather than official government policy. For potential Indian students wishing to study in Australia, the Australian High Commission’s clarification provides some comfort.
