Two Australian universities, Federation University in Victoria and Western Sydney University in New South Wales, have prohibited the enrollment of students from certain Indian states due to rising rejection rates and visa fraud concerns. The decision comes as rejection rates for Indian applicants have reached the highest level in a decade, with a quarter of applications being labeled as fraudulent or non-genuine. The Australian Department of Education acknowledges the presence of unscrupulous behavior in the international education sector and is taking steps to address the issue.
Rejection Rates and Fraudulent Applications:
Australian universities have witnessed a surge in rejection rates, with one in five applications being turned down. Specifically, Indian applicants face a rejection rate of 24.3%, the highest since 2012. The Department of Home Affairs highlighted the prevalence of fraudulent applications, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure the authenticity of candidates.
Concerns Over Unscrupulous Practices:
The Australian Department of Education has expressed concerns about unscrupulous practices within the international education industry. Education agents, who play a vital role in student enrollment, have reportedly offered incentives to transfer from higher-cost institutions to lower-cost vocational education providers. These agents receive substantial commissions from universities and schools for each enrolled student.
Impact on Indian Students:
The ban on enrollment from specific Indian states affects students from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Western Sydney University has identified a high attrition rate among students from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, leading to the imposition of additional measures to address the issue of non-genuine enrollments. Similar restrictions have already been implemented by four other universities, while two universities have tightened entry processes without imposing a complete ban.
Government Initiatives:
The Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, recently signed a migration deal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the exchange of students, graduates, researchers, and business people. The government aims to strike a balance between promoting educational opportunities and safeguarding against fraudulent practices. Additionally, the reinstatement of a 24-hour work limit for international students, effective from July 1, aims to regulate work arrangements and maintain the integrity of the student visa program.
Conclusion:
As concerns about visa fraud in the international education industry persist, Australian universities have taken measures to protect the system's integrity. The restrictions on enrollment from specific Indian states aim to address the rising rejection rates and combat fraudulent applications. The government and educational institutions are working together to ensure a safe and authentic educational experience for international students.
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