Stricter student visa rules likely to impact number of Indian students choosing Australia for higher education – ET TravelWorld

Even as Indian students start preparations for overseas education journeys later this year, there have been some significant changes in policies, over the past few months, in various destinations that will impact the choice of foreign campuses.

Australia, which has emerged a favourite overseas education destination with an estimated 1,18,109 Indian students in 2024; announced plans of significant changes in its student visa policy last year, which are likely to be considered by Indian students. The Australian government was planning to cap the number of international students, including Indian students, at 270,000 for the year 2025, effectively limiting enrolments of foreign students across universities and courses. While the cap on student visas has not yet been imposed; many overseas education experts feel that a stricter student visa policy could certainly be on the cards by the Australian government.

“The Australian government is currently assessing various factors to maintain a balanced approach to international student enrolment and immigration policies. While there are discussions about potential caps, we emphasise that our university remains committed to providing a stable and welcoming environment for all international students. We continue to see strong interest from Indian students in pursuing their education in Australia. We encourage prospective students to stay updated through official channels regarding any changes in immigration policies,” says Ravneet Pawha, vice president (global engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, which has campuses across Australia.There are apprehensions that a cap on student visas and tougher immigration policies could kick in soon Australia. “The cap on student visas has not been announced yet, but the buzz among all institutions and their representatives is that it will be in place post the federal elections in Australia. While we don’t know exactly when the elections will be held, most experts in the international education sector believe that the cap on foreign student numbers will not be waived off. The news of caps is definitely having a negative impact on Indian students and their interest in Australia,” says Sushil Sukhwani, director of overseas education consultancy company, Edwise International.The Australian government has launched a new policy on student visas from March last year called the Genuine Student (GS) requirement to replace the earlier Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. The new policy emphasises the importance of genuine intent to study.

The requirements under the GS system include that applicants for a student visa must be a genuine applicant; stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason of their student visa. More thorough and rigorous assessments of students visa applications have been reported under the new system and there are concerns in India about more refusals for Indian students applying to study in Australian universities.

“While recent changes to Australia’s visa policies have introduced some adjustments, Indian students continue to see Australia as a leading destination for higher education. English language standards have been updated, with the IELTS score requirement rising to 6.0 for student visas and 6.5 for Temporary Graduate visas, encouraging students to strengthen their language proficiency. Additionally, refinements to the Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) eligibility and restrictions on concurrent enrolments in the first six months aim to streamline academic pathways,” says Saurabh Arora, founder & CEO of University Living, a company focussed on global student accommodation. He adds that even as these changes may require Indian students to plan their studies in Australia carefully; they also reflect Australia’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

While many student visa applicants from India are facing greater scrutiny under the new GS system with reports of a high rate of refusals; some of Australia’s top universities are now implementing their own rigorous checks and verifications to ensure that they enrol genuine students who meet the admission criteria. “This approach helps us maintain the integrity of our student body. While we acknowledge the concerns surrounding visa refusals, we have not seen a significant impact on the interest of Indian students wishing to study at our university. We continue to support prospective students with clear guidance and resources throughout the application process,” says Deakin University’s Pawha.

Over the past few years finding suitable housing during their studies has emerged an important consideration for Indian students in Australia. “Despite rising prices, careful planning can help secure suitable housing. Institutional support is crucial in guiding students through housing and visa processes, ensuring Australia remains a sought-after destination,” says Arora. He adds that there is a growing demand from Indian students going to Australia for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). According to University Living’s research desk, there were 777,442 international students and approximately 130,000 PBSA beds available in Australia in 2024. “Many Indian students opt for private rentals with rental costs varying by city. While Sydney averages AUD 3,328 per month, there are more affordable options in Adelaide at AUD 1,884,” Arora said.

Both the Australian government and university authorities in Australia have started actively addressing housing challenges for international students. “We are dedicated to assisting students in finding suitable accommodation and providing various resources to help them navigate the options. While housing availability is an important consideration for many students, Australia’s world-class educational institutions, diverse cultural experiences, and strong post-graduation employment opportunities continue to attract international students. We encourage students to explore different housing solutions, including university-managed accommodations and private rentals,” Pawha said.