The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has strongly refuted claims that Indian student visa applications from specific states are being banned or restricted by Australian universities. Terming such reports “incorrect,” a spokesperson clarified that visa applications from India are being processed under the same global standards as those from any other country.
“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect,” the spokesperson said, noting that over 125,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Australian institutions. “Australia deeply values Indian students and welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and society.”
MEA: Visa Policy Is Australia’s Sovereign Decision
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed a neutral stance on the issue. “Visa matters are sovereign matters,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly press briefing. “Whether Australia wants to issue a visa to X or Y, it’s their prerogative. So that is how we look at it.”
Immigration Becomes a Political Hot Topic in Australia
The clarification from Australian authorities comes amid heated political debates in Australia. Opposition leader Peter Dutton recently proposed an 80,000 cut in international student intake, blaming the influx for the ongoing housing crisis.
“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 posted on X. He also criticized the current government’s migration policies, claiming the intake of 1.8 million new arrivals over five years has driven up housing prices and rents.
International student numbers in Australia have reportedly surged from 520,000 to over 850,000 since the last election, coinciding with a 25 per cent rise in median rents.
Despite political headwinds, the Australian government continues to emphasize its support for Indian students and maintains that the bilateral education relationship remains strong.
