Australia’s efforts to tighten visa approvals are aimed at combating fraud and addressing the issue of “ghost colleges,” as revealed in a previous investigation. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that top universities in Australia are supportive of the government’s initiative to enhance international education parameters, ensuring the entry of legitimate students rather than those attempting to use education as a backdoor to employment.
Australia is under scrutiny as Home Affairs department data reveals that applications from Indians overseas to study in the country are being rejected at a rate over 50 percent higher than those from China.
Indian nationals applying to study at international colleges face a rejection rate of just over 10 percent this financial year.
In contrast, Chinese students, the largest international student cohort, had approval rates of 97.7 percent for universities and 42.1 percent for vocational education and training (VET) institutions during the same period according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Ghost colleges’
Australia’s efforts to tighten visa approvals are aimed at combating fraud and addressing the issue of “ghost colleges,” as revealed in a previous investigation. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that top universities in Australia are supportive of the government’s initiative to enhance international education parameters, ensuring the entry of legitimate students rather than those attempting to use education as a backdoor to employment.
Critics argue that despite the importance of addressing fraudulent institutions, the low visa approval rates send a mixed message, particularly as the government aims to strengthen educational ties with India.
Notably, rejection rates for Nepalese students are also significant, with only 47 percent approved for universities and 9.1 percent for the VET sector.
Balancing security, fairness
While the Australian government aims to strike a balance between security and fairness, advocates stress the significance of ensuring that deserving students feel welcomed in Australia.
The rejection rates have become a point of discussion during talks with Indian counterparts, highlighting a disparity between government policy statements and visa processing.
Australia is anticipated to unveil a new migration system aimed at managing the surge in
international students and skilled workers. The government emphasizes a non-discriminatory visa program but notes the importance of applicants being genuine students.
In the post-pandemic period, there has been a noticeable rise in student visa fraud, resulting in higher refusal rates and extended processing times for certain student cohorts.
Criticism on government actions
Criticism arises as the government aims to decrease the intake of international students in line with the plan to halve net overseas migration by June 2025. Stricter English language requirements, reduced work rights, and measures against colleges paying agents to poach students have been implemented to ensure the quality and authenticity of the student intake.
The government’s focus on maintaining quality in education and research partnerships is met with criticism, as some call for a careful balance between security and fairness. Critics urge the government to send clearer and consistent messages regarding its policies.
Housing crisis
A significant increase in the number of international students returning to Australian universities is reportedly intensifying the nation’s housing crisis.
The surge in international student enrollment has created an unprecedented demand for affordable and high-quality student housing, according to a report by Erudera.
Citing the “Beyond Beds: Decoding Australia’s Student Housing Market” report, it is predicted that the student housing market in Australia is on track to reach an astonishing AU$10 billion (approximately $6.3B) valuation, with an annual growth rate of 17 percent.
