A drop in demand from China has induced Australian universities to increase the recruitment of students from India where the new rule allowing international students to work for unlimited hours has led to an increased potential for visa fraud.
Times Higher Education speculated that the Department of Home Affairs has cautioned the Australian universities after they enrolled numerous misfit students.
One source from the higher education sector informed that the interest in Chinese students reduced dramatically in December 2021. In addition, hopes of a revival following the winter Olympics were also shattered.
Also Read:PM Modi Encourages Indian Graduates to Avail Quad Fellowship for Opportunities in STEM
The universities in such circumstances have increased student recruitment from the Indian subcontinent and even included institutions having little experience. The growth in the Indian market is high but some of it shocks the newbies.
The source also reported that the institutes are offering various discount types and scholarships which were never seen before. Additionally, the refunding of Australian visa fees has lured many students away from the UK and Canada. After February 2020, Australia saw a surge in the number of higher education visa holders in December 2021.
Indians formed the majority of the visa holders surpassing the Chinese. Indians also comprise half of the international students applying for graduate or post-study work visas in the country. Though the number of applicants increased, the number of approved visa applications reduced from 87% in December 2021 to 73% in March 2022. Few Australian universities like the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have adopted strict tests to admit students to their universities.
Also Read:China has Begun to Permit the Resettlement of Indian Students
There is the possibility of visa fraud as the work hour limitations have been suspended. There may be an inflow of students who will not be sincere in their studies as they will be towards employment opportunities. Therefore, Australian universities are working to attract genuine students to the country.
Wishto Pursue Higher Education in Australia?
Source: Times Higher Education
