The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has strongly denied media reports that some Australian educational institutions are restricting or banning student applications from particular Indian states.
The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, issued a statement – “The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect.”
The official added, “There are over 125,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia – the second largest cohort of students from any country – and the Australian Government continues to process Indian student visa applications in line with our global standards.
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.”
According to recent media reports, Australian colleges were barring students from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, has denied the claim that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being barred or restricted.
Speaking on the subject during a weekly news briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ” Visa matters are sovereign matters. So, whether Australia wants to issue or any other country wants to visa to X or Y, it is their prerogative. So, that is how we look at it.”
Meanwhile, Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has proposed a policy to limit the number of international students in Australia. To limit international students, Dutton suggested temporary modifications to graduate visas, higher application costs, and stricter enrollment limitations.