Australian Universities' Visa Policies: Who's Affected and Why?

Several universities, including at least one prestigious Group of Eight institutions, have gone so far as to ban or limit applications from countries considered at high risk of visa refusals, such as India and Nepal. Vice-chancellors from smaller universities complain that visa processing has become highly unpredictable and unfairly targets them.

Since late last year, the government has been prioritizing visa applications for the least risky institutions to prevent foreigners from using student visas as a backdoor to the job market. This move is central to the government’s aim of reducing migration.

Earlier this month, the federal government updated its risk rankings for Australian higher education providers, with 10 universities moving to a higher risk level.

Adelaide University, in a letter to education agents, announced it would only accept undergraduate applications from Indian students under 20, or under 22 with previous study credits. It also prohibited applications from any Indian student previously denied a visa from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, among other restrictions.

Central Queensland University, a level two provider, stated it would no longer offer English language programs to students from India and Nepal. It also announced it would not enroll offshore Indian and Nepalese applicants over 25, and/or married (except for research students).

Edith Cowan University and its affiliated college also made similar announcements regarding restrictions on applications from Indian, Nepalese, and Pakistani students due to increased scrutiny from Home Affairs.

High visa rejection rates contribute to a higher risk rating for universities, prompting them to restrict applications from students deemed at higher risk of visa refusal.

These changes in foreign student approvals coincide with Home Affairs data showing record high offshore student visa refusals and record low approvals in the 12 months to March.

Ravi Singh, managing director of Indian-based education agency Global Reach, believes universities like Central Queensland University are taking stringent measures to avoid moving to a higher risk level.

Western Sydney University, which recently canceled student enrollments to minimize visa rejections, saw its risk ranking drop from top-tier to level two.

The University of New England saw its rating drop to the lowest level 3, impacting its ability to recruit international students.

Smaller universities, like Charles Sturt University and Murdoch University, expressed concerns over the government’s visa decisions and the impact on their recruitment of international students.

A spokesperson for Charles Sturt University called for a review of the current provider-risk-based model, urging a fair playing field for all students and providers.

Naresh Gulati, the former international student, and CEO of education agent management system Ascent One, argued against universities being responsible for assessing the genuineness or financial viability of overseas applicants.

Adelaide University and Central Queensland University spokespeople stated that their restrictions on applications were in response to the government’s new genuine student requirements.

A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil defended the reforms, stating they were necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of the system, though acknowledging the challenges faced by providers.