The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has dismissed recent media reports alleging that Australian educational institutions are banning or restricting student applications from certain Indian states. Labeling the claims as “incorrect,” a spokesperson for the High Commission clarified that the Australian Government continues to process Indian student visa applications in accordance with global standards.
“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect,” said the spokesperson. They further emphasised the strong educational ties between the two nations, noting that over 125,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Australian institutions, making them the second-largest international student cohort in the country.
“India and Australia continue to have a very strong relationship in the field of education. Australia deeply values Indian students, and the Australian Government welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and Australian society,” the spokesperson added.
Addressing a query during a press briefing on the matter, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “Visa matters are sovereign matters. Whether Australia wants to issue a visa to X or Y, it’s their prerogative. So that is how we look at it.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton has proposed reducing international student intake by 80,000 as part of broader immigration reforms. According to The Australia Today, Dutton argued that such a reduction would help ease the country’s housing crisis and improve affordability for local residents.
“ANNOUNCED: We will cap international student numbers and reduce permanent migration by 25 per cent – freeing up nearly 40,000 homes in the first year,” Dutton stated on X (formerly Twitter). He criticised the current government’s migration policy, highlighting a significant surge in student arrivals—from 520,000 to over 850,000 since the last election—which he linked to a 25 per cent rise in median rent across Australia.
Despite the political discourse, the Australian Government’s official position regarding Indian student visa processing remains unchanged, reaffirming the valued presence of Indian students in the country.
