New Delhi: At least five Australian universities have banned the students from India amidst a surge in fraudulent applications.
The number of Indian students in Australia is expected to cross the highest figure of 75,000 in 2019 this year amid a surge in fake applications. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said on Tuesday that lawmakers and academicians expressed concern about the potential long-term impact of the current increase in the number of students on Australia’s immigration system and the country’s lucrative international education market.
“The number of incoming students is much higher than expected,” said John Chu of global education firm Navitas. “We knew the number would increase significantly, but at the same time, the number of fake students has also increased. To deal with the situation, many universities are now imposing restrictions,” the report said.
According to a report, Victoria University, Edith Cowan University, Wollongong University, Torrens University and South Cross University have taken restrictive action on applications from Indian students.
In February, Perth-based Edith Cowan University banned applicants from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. In March, Victoria University extended restrictions on applications from students from eight Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The development came after a new agreement with universities and colleges was announced during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albany’s visit to India.