The number of Indian students wanting to study in Australia has slumped by almost 50%, according to figures from the Australian government.
The news comes after a year when attacks on Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney have prompted angry demonstrations in both India and Australia, and deteriorating relations between the Indian and Australian governments. Recently, the Indian government have issued a travel advisory to students going to Australia, after the murder in Melbourne of graduate student Nitin Garg.
Last year, more than 70,000 Indian students opted to study in Australia, according to Australia’s Tourism commission, but this year is likely to see a heavy fall, given the attacks in Australia and mood in India.
The number of Indians applying for student visas to Australia has plummeted by 46% according to the most recent figures from the immigration department, andand it is feared that the recent murder of Nitin Garg will raise even more concerns about student safety, and lead many more to look at universities and colleges in other countries.
To find out more about study down under, read our special supplement in issue 49 of Australia & New Zealand Magazine, on sale 16th February 2010.
