Australian government has become more stringent in providing student visa from this session.
Australia has been a top priority for international students due to quality education, advanced technologies, and job security. International education has been a key contributor to Australia's economy. In 2022-23 session, it was valued at A$36.4 billion ($24 billion). However, the Anthony Albanese-led government has introduced some new rules to reduce foreign student migration rate. In this article, we will discuss about the impact of new Australian student visa rules on Indian aspirants.
From July 1, the international student visa fee will cost A$1,600 ($1,068), which was initially A$710. Moreover, visitor visa holders and students with temporary graduate visas will be “banned from applying onshore for a student visa.”
"The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia," Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said in a statement.
The new visa fee is much higher than other popular countries including Canada and U.S. In these countries, the student visa costs around $110 and $185 respectively.
Since the lifting of COVID-19 curbs, there was a boost in annual migration in Australia. As per official data, “net immigration in Australia rose 60% to a record 548,800 people in the year to Sept. 30, 2023.” This led to drastic change in housing market in the country. Over the last decade, there has been a rapid rise in rental costs across the nation.
“We are significantly reducing migration levels - we are in the middle of the biggest drop in migration numbers in Australia's history, outside of war or pandemic,” Clare O'Neil stated.
“India continues to be the second-largest source country for international student enrolments in Australia,” India's High Commission in Canberra said last year.
Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India and South Asia, mentioned: “Australia remains the preferred choice for Indian students and working professionals, with over 1.2 lakh Indian students studying last year.”
The Australian government has announced a massive hike in the financial requirement for foreign student visas. As per new rule, international students must “demonstrate savings of at least A$29,710 ($19,576) to qualify for a visa.”
Couple of weeks ago, Australian government has taken drastic steps to reduce backdoor entry and unethical practices by institutes. Moreover, the government tightened the English language requirements.
There is an increasing concern about the relationship between India and Australia.
“My major concern is the impact upon our bilateral relations with countries which are singled out when government and media seek to highlight these integrity issues by country,” said Barry O’Farrell, former Australian high commissioner to India.
“There are many economic, strategic and social benefits to Australia and the source countries of overseas students wanting to study in Australia. The practice should be encouraged,” he continued.
Indian students working part-time in Australia support the gig economy there. Thus, sudden change in rule will hurt genuine students and the nation.
Responding to this step, Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy said “This is not good for our economy or our universities, both of which rely heavily on international student fees.”
