New Delhi : Starting July 1, 2024, Australia will double its student visa fees from AUD 710 (approximately ₹38,930) to AUD 1,600 (around ₹87,731). The steep increase has raised alarms in India, a significant source of international students for Australia.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that the Indian government has officially expressed its concerns to Australian authorities, emphasizing the potential financial burden on Indian students.
Indian Student Enrollments in Australia
Australia remains one of the top choices for Indian students, with over 1.22 lakh students enrolled in Australian institutions between January and September 2023. However, the fee hike and stricter visa policies have led to a sharp 56% decline in visas issued to Indian students between October 2023 and August 2024.
Tougher Visa Requirements for Students
In addition to the increased fees, Australia has introduced stricter visa requirements that make it more challenging for students to gain entry:
Higher Financial Proof: Living expenses proof increased to AUD 29,710 from May 2024, up from AUD 24,505.
Stricter English Proficiency: IELTS minimum score requirement raised from 5.5 to 6.0 starting early 2024.
Reduced Post-Study Work Rights: Bachelor’s and master’s graduates now limited to two years of post-study work rights.
New Genuine Student Rule: Introduced in March 2024 to assess applicants’ intent and academic plans.
Impact on Indian Students
A survey by IDP Education highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among Indian students:
49% of respondents have withdrawn plans to study in Australia due to rising tuition costs.
35% cited high visa fees and living expenses as key deterrents.
These factors have prompted many Indian students to consider alternative destinations like Canada, the UK, and Germany, where visa policies and costs are more stable.
India-Australia Educational Collaboration at Risk
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has fostered educational ties through initiatives like post-study work rights, youth mobility programmes, and mutual qualification recognition. However, Australia's recent policy changes threaten the progress of these collaborations.
Indian Government's Response
The Indian government is engaging with Australian authorities to address these concerns and advocate for more student-friendly policies. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the future of Indian students aspiring to study in Australia.
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