The Australian government’s plan to cap international student enrollments from 2025 has raised concerns among Indian stakeholders who warn it could impact the country’s appeal as a leading study destination for Indian students.
At the AAERI Annual Convention 2024 in Delhi, delegates discussed the potential effects of Australia’s policy changes on Indian students. The event brought together AAERI members, Australian universities, government officials and consultants to explore India-Australia partnerships in higher education, student mobility and research.
The University Living Indian Student Mobility Report 2023-24 estimates 170,000 Indian students will pursue higher education in Australia by 2025, comprising 17% of the international student cohort.
While Indian students are exempt from strict visa rules under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, tighter regulations may limit opportunities for gaining work experience. The duration of stays for Indian citizens remains unchanged, but the tightening of work rights could impact students’ ability to gain essential work experience.
Australian officials defended the changes, stating they aim to restore the integrity of the international education system. Steve Biddle, regional director – South Asia, Department of Home Affairs, Australian High Commission, emphasized that the measures target non-genuine students.
Organizations like AAERI have introduced initiatives to verify educational documents and reduce fraudulent applications. Australian universities encouraged the government to consider the broader economic contributions of international students. Ren Yi, pro vice-chancellor (International), University of Southern Queensland, said, “We hope the government will reassess the broader economic contributions of international students and the connections between international education and the economy.”
Despite concerns, some stakeholders expressed optimism about Australia’s ability to overcome negative perceptions surrounding the policies. The Australian government’s policy changes have sparked a debate about the future of international education in the country. As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor the impact on Indian students and the broader economy.
