Australia has recently announced a significant reduction in its international student intake for 2025, capping it at 2.7 lakh students. This decision, which includes both higher education and vocational education and training courses, was confirmed by Australia’s Education Minister, Jason Clare. The move is part of Australia’s broader strategy to manage record-high migration levels, which have contributed to soaring housing rental prices across the country.
Impact on Indian Students: A Major Concern
This policy shift is expected to have a substantial impact on Indian students, especially those from states like Punjab, where a large number of students aspire to study abroad. Australia has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, making this development a critical issue for many.
Sunil Jaggi, a member of the Migration Agents Registration Authority of Australia, explained the changes in student intake over the past few years. In June 2022, the intake was capped at 5.10 lakh, which was later reduced to 3.75 lakh in 2023. Now, with the further reduction to 2.7 lakh for 2025, the quotas are being distributed across universities, affecting all international students, including those from India.
The Impact on Indian Aspirants and Their Families
The announcement is particularly troubling for students who were preparing for the February 2025 intake. Many families, especially from Punjab, have made significant financial commitments, including taking out loans, to support their children’s education in Australia. One student from Haryana, aspiring to study nursing in Australia, expressed concern, stating that the reduction in intake could severely impact their career prospects.
There is growing sentiment among Indian students that the Indian government should advocate on their behalf with the Australian authorities to address these concerns. The situation is especially critical given that Australia, a key partner in India’s Quad Alliance, is the fourth most popular destination for Indian students, following Canada, the US, and the UK.
Additional measures affecting foreign students
In addition to limiting student intake, Australia has also increased its non-refundable visa fee for foreign students from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600. This hike is seen as another measure aimed at curbing migration levels, further complicating the situation for prospective Indian students.
Broader global trends: Canada follows suit
Australia’s decision comes at a time when other countries are also tightening their immigration policies. Canada, for instance, has recently imposed new restrictions on its temporary foreign workers’ program. Starting September 26, Canadian businesses will only be allowed to fill up to 10 percent of their workforce with low-wage foreign workers, down from the previous 20 percent. This change is in response to rising unemployment rates in Canada, which have reached 6.4 percent overall, with a particularly high rate of 14.2 percent among younger workers.
Conclusion: A Challenging Landscape for Indian Students Abroad
As Australia and other countries continue to adjust their immigration and education policies, Indian students and their families face increasing challenges in pursuing higher education abroad. These developments underscore the need for careful planning and potential advocacy efforts by the Indian government to ensure that students’ aspirations are not unduly hampered by changing international policies.
