Study Abroad: Indian students' challenges after Increased Australian Student Visa Rejection

While Australia has always been welcoming to Indian students in the past, the new visa restrictions and increase in the visa rejection rates have put many challenges in front of the Indian aspirants who dreamt and planned to study in Australia.

Australia has been one of the popular choices among Indian students who seek to study abroad thanks to the quality education it offers and also renowned universities including Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. However, the recent surge in Australian student visa rejection rates has created hurdles for these aspiring students, leading to uncertainty and challenges that threaten their dreams of studying abroad.

Rise in Visa Rejection Rates

The increased Australian student visa rejection rates have shocked the Indian aspirants who were looking to study in Australia, increasing their concerns and frustration. The factors that contributed to increased visa rates include increased scrutiny of visa applications and tightened immigration policies. Recently, after increased migration to Australia, the country has decided to tighten the visa rule for international students.

Uncertainty adding to woes

Those who have been planning to study in Australia now find themselves facing immense uncertainty about their future following increased visa rejections. The students are also facing financial burden due to the cost incurred in preparing and reapplying for visas which is proving to be burdensome for some families. Also, the emotional toll as the student invests time and resources in preparing to study abroad and now facing visa rejection. Moreover, those who faced visa rejections by Australia, faced the challenges of replacing their study abroad destination, which is again time, resources and cost-consuming.

Lack of transparency in application process

The recent stricter visa requirements include enhanced English language tests, and higher financial thresholds. As per India.com report, the main issue is the lack of transparency in the application process for study abroad. The need of the hour is that the policymakers and stakeholders in both India and Australia work collaboratively to address the underlying issues contributing to visa rejections. This will ensure a fair and equitable visa application process.

Genuine Temporary Entrant replaced by Genuine Student

Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) was a major written statement required for study in Australia where a case officer was assigned to ensure the validity and authenticity of the submitted documents. Sometimes, even when the student filled in all the student VISA details correctly, they submitted the wrong transcripts to the questions about studying in Australia. As per the latest development, the Australian government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This is effective for student visa applications lodged on and after March 23. This requirement does not apply to student visa applications lodged before March 23, 2024. In the online student visa application form, the student will be asked many questions to address the GS criteria. Answers to these questions must be written in English, with a maximum of 150 words per question.

The following are the questions which will be asked:

• Provide the applicant's current circumstances details including ties to family, community, employment and economic circumstances. 
• Explain why the applicant wishes to study this course in Australia with this particular education provider. This must also explain their understanding of Requirements of the intended course and studying and living in Australia.
• Applicants need to explain how completing the course will be beneficial to them.
• Give details of any other relevant information the applicant would like to include.

Read more:

• Australia Tightens Visa Rule for International Students
• Top 7 Destinations for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad