Festival of Australia Highlights Education as Pillar of India–Australia Partnership
Over 122,000 Indian Students Welcomed as Australia Strengthens Education Ties
Jun 28, 2025 |
Amidst rising global uncertainty regarding visa processing, access to scholarships and post-study work rights, Australia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Indian students, who now comprise over 122,000 of the country’s international student population. This assurance was delivered by Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, during the recent Festival of Australia held in Kolkata.
Hosted by the Australian Government, the event highlighted education and food as central components of the Australia–India strategic partnership. Singh emphasised that, despite evolving global immigration policies, Australia remains committed to transparency, student safety and long-term engagement with Indian learners. His remarks come as Indian students continue to select Australia in record numbers, drawn by its globally recognised universities, inclusive academic environment and generous post-study work opportunities.
Furthermore, the Festival of Australia in Kolkata offered Indian students and parents the opportunity to interact directly with representatives from Australian universities and explore academic programmes with clear career pathways. The event also featured prominent Australian alumni who shared their personal experiences, providing meaningful insights to prospective students. In addition, the festival showcased a masterclass on artificial intelligence and an exhibition titled Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route, which presented Indigenous Australian art curated by the National Museum of Australia. Complementing the academic focus, the event also included a premium Australian food product display, organised in collaboration with Nature’s Basket and Austrade’s e-commerce partner, JioMart (Reliance Retail).
During the event, Vik Singh reiterated Australia’s dedication to international students, underlining the importance of clear communication, reliable information and transparency. He acknowledged that while immigration policies are periodically reviewed, students must access accurate updates through official sources. He also highlighted that Australia provides some of the world’s most generous post-study work opportunities for international graduates.
Addressing concerns around student safety and social integration, Singh reflected on his own experience as a former international student in Australia, now serving as a diplomat in Bengaluru. While describing Australia as a welcoming and immigrant-friendly nation, he emphasised the role of students themselves in actively engaging with available support networks to ensure successful integration.
He further noted that two Australian universities currently operate campuses in India, with three more, Western Sydney University in Delhi, Victoria University in NCR, and the University of Western Australia, set to launch soon. While he refrained from commenting on U.S. visa challenges, stating it was a domestic matter, he affirmed that Indian students continue to be in high demand globally despite occasional policy hurdles. Singh underscored the proactive role of the Australian Government in supporting international students, affirming its responsibility to provide timely, accurate and transparent information. This reaffirmation strengthens the growing educational ties between Australia and India, offering Indian students both opportunity and assurance.
Editor’s Note
Amid growing uncertainties faced by Indian students, such as visa delays, shifting immigration policies, and limited opportunities, especially in the United States, Australia’s clear and consistent support comes as a welcome relief. With over 122,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia, the country’s renewed focus on transparency, student welfare, and generous post-study work rights sends a strong message of stability and inclusion. Australia’s active engagement with Indian students and the expansion of institutional partnerships within India reflect not just a diplomatic gesture but a strategic economic initiative. International education is one of Australia’s largest export sectors, and Indian students play a vital role in sustaining it. In the 2023–24 financial year alone, international student spending contributed AUD 50.5 billion to Australia’s exports, with Indian students making up a significant portion of that figure.
Skoobuzz underlines that this renewed commitment underscores education as a central pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia. It paves the way for deeper collaboration in areas such as trade, innovation, and regional stability.
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