'Incorrect': Australia rejects reports of banning visa applications of Indian students from 'specific states'

NEW DELHI: Australia on Tuesday rejected the reports that claimed that it was "banning" student visa applications of Indian students from states like Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

"The assertion that Indian university student applications from specific Indian states are being banned or restricted is incorrect," spokesperson of Australian high commission, New Delhi said.

"Over 125,000 Indian students are currently studying in Australia—the second largest cohort of students from any country—and the Australian Government continues to process Indian student visa applications in line with our global standards. India and Australia continue to have a very strong relationship in the field of education. Australia deeply values Indian students, and the Australian Government welcomes their contribution to our classrooms and Australian society," they noted.

This comes a day after media reports suggested that Australia had joined the US and Canada in tightening immigration norms for Indian students, with several universities suspending visa applications from six states—Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The report caused concern among students and education consultants, particularly in Gujarat, a key source of applicants for Australian universities.