Indian students to Australia dips by 30%

The number of Indians studying in Australian universities has fallen 30% after a spate of violent attacks against them as well as the cost of education going up in view of the appreciation of Australian dollar.

The number of Indians studying in Australian universities has fallen 30% after a spate of violent attacks against them as well as the cost of education going up in view of the appreciation of Australian dollar.

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While Australia is keen on getting more students in the vocational education, which is a major source of foreign exchange earning for them, New Delhi is not so keen.

The influx of the students to such vocational centers, which many found as a route for immigration had become a source of contention.

However, India is satisfied with the steps Australia has taken to ensure the safety of Indian students in that country,
MEA spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters on Tuesday.

The comments came ahead of Indian foreign minister

SM Krishna's three-day visit starting on Wednesday down under for talks with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd.

Compared to 67,974 students going for studies in Australia, the number has come down to 42,447 this year.

Arun Goel, joint secretary, south the MEA says the incidents of violence apart, the cost of education going up in Australia can be attributed to this dip in students. The Australian dollar more or less equals the US dollar in its value now.

Indian students contribute between US $3 billion (13,650 crore) and $4 billion to Australia’s foreign education industry, which is worth an estimated $15.4 billion, and one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners.