High Commission says assertions of state-wise visa restrictions are incorrect and misleading
NEW DELHI: Australia on Tuesday dismissed recent media reports claiming that Indian students from six specific states were facing visa bans or restrictions from Australian universities, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The statement comes in response to reports suggesting that several Australian universities had moved to curb applications from students in Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir, citing concerns about visa misuse.
“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned or restricted is incorrect,” said a spokesperson from the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.
Reaffirming its commitment to Indian students, the Australian High Commission clarified that visa applications from India continue to be processed under standard global procedures. Currently, more than 125,000 Indian students are studying in Australia, making them the second-largest international student cohort in the country.
“Australia deeply values Indian students, and the Australian government welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and society,” the spokesperson emphasized.
The bilateral education partnership between Australia and India remains robust and is a key pillar of diplomatic and economic cooperation. In 2022, education was Australia’s largest service export to India, worth $4.4 billion. By 2023, Indian student enrolments had crossed 126,000 – accounting for roughly 16% of Australia’s international student intake.
To further deepen ties, Australia and India signed the Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications in March 2023, simplifying access to higher education in both nations. Australian universities are also expanding their footprint in India, with Deakin University and the University of Wollongong receiving approval to set up campuses in GIFT City, Gujarat.