Australia denies ban on Indian student applications amid political debate on migration

In response to recent media reports suggesting that Indian student applications from certain states are being banned or restricted by educational institutions in Australia, the Australian High Commission in New Delhi has refuted such claims. A spokesperson from the High Commission clarified that these assertions are "incorrect" and that visa applications from India continue to be processed under the same global standards as other countries.

“The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned, or restricted, is incorrect," the spokesperson said. They added that over 125,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Australian institutions, making them the second-largest international student group in the country.

“Australia deeply values Indian students, and the Australian Government welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and Australian society,” the spokesperson said, highlighting the strength of educational ties between the two nations.

Responding to questions on the matter during a weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Visa matters are sovereign matters. Whether Australia wants to issue a visa to X or Y, it’s their prerogative. So that is how we look at it.”

These statements come amid a domestic political proposal by Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton to significantly reduce international student intake. He has pledged to cut student numbers by 80,000, linking it to the ongoing housing crisis in Australia. In a post on social media platform X, Dutton said, “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.”

He criticised the current government’s migration policy, pointing out that the intake of 1.8 million new arrivals over five years is straining urban housing markets. According to Dutton, international student numbers have grown from 520,000 to over 850,000 since the last election, coinciding with a 25 per cent rise in median rents.

While the Australian Government continues to support Indian student migration, the debate over immigration policy remains a key political issue ahead of upcoming elections.