Australia has long been a major destination for international education, especially for Indian students. Every year, thousands of Indian students enroll in Australian universities to pursue higher education. But in recent years, there has been a sudden decline in the number of Indian students applying to Australian universities. Experts believe that this decline is the result of several major reasons, including rising living costs, stricter visa regulations, and other countries offering more attractive post-study work and permanent residence (PR) options.
This issue is not only a matter of concern for the Australian education system but also for Indian students who are looking for international education opportunities. In this article, we will discuss in detail the major reasons for Indian students leaving Australia, the impacts of this situation and the possible changes in the future.
The significance of the presence of Indian students in Australia
India continues to be the second largest source of international students in Australia, after China. Indian students make a significant economic contribution to Australian universities and educational institutions, as Australia’s higher education system is heavily dependent on fees received from international students. For Australia, Indian students not only contribute to the income of universities, but also contribute to the multi-culturalism and skills development of the country.
Before 2019 and 2020, Australia was an attractive choice for Indian students. There were many reasons behind this, such as quality education, safe environment, and attractive options for permanent residence. But in recent years, some major reasons have emerged for the decline in student numbers.
Due to decline in the number of Indian students
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Increasing Cost of Living
Living and studying in Australia has become more expensive than ever. The cost of living has increased rapidly, especially in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The rising cost of student accommodation, food and other daily expenses has become a significant challenge for Indian students. The rising cost of living has forced students to turn to other destinations where living is relatively cheaper.
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Strict visa rules and student visa policies
In recent years, Australia has tightened its student visa rules. In particular, the eligibility and financial credentials required for visa have changed. In addition, the visa application process has also become complicated, and many students are facing difficulties during visa application. This change in visa rules for Indian students is also an important reason why they are turning to other countries.
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More attractive post-study work options and the difficulties of permanent residence
Countries such as Canada, the US, and the UK have provided more attractive post-study work options for international students. Canada, in particular, has reformed its visa and immigration policies to create a favorable environment for students. Post-study work permits are easy to obtain in Canada and there are also many options for permanent residence.
On the other hand, obtaining permanent residence in Australia has become more difficult than before. Post-study work options are also not as attractive as they used to be. This change is attracting Indian students to other countries, where they get more opportunities after completing their studies.
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread changes to the international education system. Australia kept its borders closed for a long time during the pandemic, forcing many students to look for other options. During this period, many students turned to countries like Canada, the UK, and the US, where borders opened quickly and provided flexibility to students. The impact has led to a decline in the number of international students in the Australian education system, and this challenge still persists.
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Competitiveness of the Australian education system
Australian universities now face stiff competition from universities in countries such as Canada, the UK, and the US. These countries not only provide quality education but also offer more attractive scholarship schemes, post-study work permits, and permanent residency options for international students. This makes Australia’s international education system no longer as attractive to students.
Impact on Australian universities
Australian universities and educational institutions are financially dependent on international students, particularly Indian students. The decline in applications from Indian students is causing these institutions to face financial challenges. A large portion of universities’ income comes from tuition fees paid by international students, and the decline in the number of these students is having a negative impact on universities’ finances.
In addition, the diversity of international students in Australian universities is also decreasing, which is affecting the multiculturalism of the country’s education system. Universities are now considering various measures to improve this situation, such as offering more scholarship schemes for students and reforming the visa process.
What changes can be made?
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Improvement in scholarship schemes
Australian universities should offer more scholarship schemes to attract Indian students. Countries like Canada and UK have many attractive scholarship schemes for students, which reduces their financial burden. If Australia promotes scholarship schemes for students, it can become an attractive option for Indian students.
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Improvements to post-study work options
A big reason for the success of countries like Canada and the UK is the ease of their post-study work options. Australia should also reform its post-study work permit policies and consider new policies to provide long-term employment opportunities to students. This will give students confidence that they will have employment opportunities in Australia after their studies.
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More favorable policies for permanent residence
Australia’s permanent residence process is more complex now than before. If the Australian government provides a simple and clear path for students to obtain permanent residence, it could attract Indian students back. The prospect of permanent residence is a major attraction for students, and if this facility is accessible in Australia, it could draw students to it.
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Improvement and flexibility in application process
Improving the visa application process and providing more flexibility can increase student numbers. In the post-pandemic period, students need speed and flexibility in the visa process. Australia should provide relief to students by simplifying the visa process.
The role of India-Australia educational relations
India and Australia have strong educational ties, and this is an important part of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The decline in the number of Indian students could also impact these ties. Therefore, it is important that both countries work together on this issue and attract Indian students back to Australian universities.
To retain the interest of Indian students towards education in Australia, the Australian government and educational institutions should promote educational promotion and cooperation in India. At the same time, it is important to understand the needs and challenges faced by Indian students and find solutions to their problems.
Conclusion
The decline in applications from Indian students to Australian universities is a matter of concern, but solutions are possible. By addressing problems such as cost of living, stringency of visa rules, and difficulties in obtaining permanent residence, Australia can once again become an attractive destination for Indian students. Also, by taking steps such as scholarship schemes, post-study work permits, and improving the visa process, Australian universities can attract Indian students back.
In the changing world of international education, competition is high, and countries have to improve their policies to attract students. If Australia takes these important issues seriously and changes its policies according to the needs of students, it will not only succeed in attracting Indian students but will also strengthen its education system.
