20 January 2014
Applications for student visas by Indian student increased between July and September last year. The latest immigration figures show 4,148 Indians made offshore applications for student visas during the two months, more than double the figure for the same period in 2012.
Also, more than 90 per cent of Indians who applied for student visas were successful, compared with 74 per cent in 2012.
Welcoming the development, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling said, “Australia welcomes Indian students, who make a vital contribution to both academic life and the communities in which they live.”
The student visa program quarterly report also demonstrates that Australian Government officials are dealing effectively with increased demand. Seventy-five per cent of offshore applications by Indians were processed within 29 days, and 50 per cent were processed within 20 days.
More than 10 per cent of all student visas granted in the three month period went to Indian nationals. India remains the second largest source of overseas students in Australia after China.
