Australia has joined the United States and Canada in imposing stricter controls on international education pathways, revising its student visa policy and impacting Indian applicants. Several Australian universities, including Federation University, Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and Southern Cross University, have temporarily stopped accepting applications from six Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The restrictions are part of a broader visa crackdown by the Australian government aimed at curbing misuse of the student visa system. This development has created unease among students and visa consultants in India, particularly in Gujarat, where Australia ranks among the top destinations for higher education. Education consultants estimate that roughly 20% of students from Gujarat who study abroad choose Australia, a figure expected to decline as a result of the new restrictions.
Many argue that universities and immigration authorities have the means to assess an applicant’s intent and academic background, and that broad regional bans penalize serious students who meet all eligibility requirements. The policy change arrives at a time when interest in international education among Indian students is at a record high. With countries such as the United Kingdom also reviewing post-study work rights, the pool of accessible and student-friendly destinations continues to shrink. Australia, previously considered a stable and practical option, now appears less accessible, prompting students and families to reconsider their overseas education strategies.
As of now, there has been no formal statement from the Australian government on the restrictions. However, education consultants say the message from universities is clear, and students will need to closely monitor further developments in visa and admission procedures in the coming months. The future of Indian students seeking to study in Australia remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen how these restrictions will impact the international education landscape.
