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Assistant Minister for International Education, Australia, Julian Hill’s India visit is part of a broader push to deepen Australia–India education and research ties
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Outcomes included new university partnerships, joint research projects, and a Letter of Intent for the University of New South Wales to establish a campus in Bengaluru
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Together, these initiatives signal a maturing, long-term education partnership focused on quality, integrity, and shared growth
Australia continues to strengthen its position as one of the most preferred study destinations for Indian students, even as authorities tighten oversight to protect the integrity of the international education sector. Speaking at events organised by the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI), Australia’s Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill praised the growing presence of Indian students while candidly flagging concerns around fraudulent documentation and unethical agent practices.
According to Hill, more than 178,000 Indian students are currently studying in Australia, making India the largest source of international students and Indian-origin people one of the fastest-growing skilled migrant groups, accounting for nearly four per cent of Australia’s population. He described Australia as a safe, multicultural society that offers students the opportunity to study alongside peers from across the globe, while accessing education across a wide range of institutions and regions.
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Despite stricter immigration and education policies introduced in recent years — including higher English language and financial thresholds, a new Genuine Student test, and an overall student cap of 270,000 set to rise to 295,000 in 2026 — demand from India remains robust
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Student numbers have grown by over 31 per cent from around 135,000 in 2024, underlining Australia’s continued appeal among Indian families
However, this rapid growth has been accompanied by challenges. Hill acknowledged rising visa refusal rates linked to fake or unverifiable documents, particularly from certain regions. In response, AAERI has rolled out a new document verification tool aimed at improving transparency and safeguarding admissions processes. Recent media reports suggesting blanket bans on students from several Indian states were clarified as temporary measures introduced in 2023 and lifted within months, though concerns over documentation persist in some areas.
The Australian government has also moved to regulate education agents more closely. The recently passed Integrity Bill updates the definition of education agents and introduces greater transparency around commissions. While some stakeholders have criticised the reforms, Hill said they address long-standing loopholes and help protect genuine students and ethical agents. He emphasised that while bad actors exist, responsible agents play a crucial role in guiding students through the complex study-abroad process.
Hill also highlighted issues such as high volumes of onshore course transfers, nearly half involving Indian students, which can affect academic outcomes and sector credibility. Measures to curb unethical “course hopping,” though debated, are intended to strengthen long-term quality.
