Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Indian students in developed countries;
Why in the News?
Australia’s Education Minister announced a plan to establish a National Planning Level (NPL) that will cap the number of new international students at 2.7 lakh for the 2025 calendar year, subject to parliamentary approval.
What does the 2025 Cap entail?
- Australia plans to introduce a cap on new international students at 2.7 lakh for the calendar year 2025.
- Distribution of Seats:
- Publicly funded universities: 1.45 lakh students (maintaining 2023 levels).
- Vocational education and training (VET) sector: 95,000 new students.
- Other universities and non-university providers: 30,000 students.
- Certain categories, such as school students, research degree pursuers, students in standalone English language courses, government-sponsored scholars, and students from specific regions (e.g., Asia Pacific), are exempt from the cap.
Trends in Indian Student Enrollment in Australia:
- In 2023, Australia admitted 5.61 lakh international students, in 2022, it saw 3.88 lakhs, in 2021, it had 2.82 lakhs, in 2020, it had 3.96 lakhs, and in 2019, it saw 5.19 lakh students.
- 2024 Projections: Between January and May 2024, the total student commencements reached 2.89 lakh, with additional intakes expected later in the year, possibly surpassing 2023 levels.
- Five-Year Trend: The 2025 cap will result in the lowest intake in the past five years, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on previous years’ admissions.
Possible Impacts on Indians Since Last Year:
- Enrollment Numbers: The number of Indian students in Australia saw a decline from 126,487 in 2023 to 118,109 in 2024.
- This comes on the back of moves by the Australian government to curb migration over the past six months, including higher IELTS band score requirements and the Genuine Student Test for applicants.
- Universities, especially the Group of Eight (Go8) research-intensive universities, have criticized the capping as a “bad policy” that will adversely impact them.
- Rising Costs: The Australian government increased the visa processing fee from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600 (approximately Rs 40,524 to Rs 91,321) as of July 1, 2024. This could deter prospective applicants due to financial constraints.
Way Forward:
- Increase Scholarships and Financial Aid: The Australian government and universities should offer more scholarships and financial aid packages to offset the higher costs and attract international students, particularly from India.
- Strengthen Bilateral Education Ties: Enhance collaboration between Australian and Indian educational institutions to create joint programs and exchange opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of students despite the cap.
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