DESPITE THE fact that the world is going through the worst recession it has seen in recent times, the education sector seems to be unaffected. Though slightly more conscious, Indian students are still flocking to foreign universities in hordes.
Without a doubt, Australia remains a top choice for the Indian students. It may be due to peer pressure or kin-calling, but either way, our students are quite keen to explore greener pastures abroad. With a Permanent Residency (PR) top on their minds, they forget certain vital issues while studying abroad.
Gulshan Kumar, India’s well known student visa consultant for Australia, sheds light on study opportunities in Kangaroo-land. The former Education Officer with the Australian High Commission, New Delhi, and currently the Director of Kangaroo Studies, Kumar advises students not to mix the coveted PR with education for the sake of short-term gains. The following are some excerpts from an exclusive interview with Kumar:
Don’t you think that the study visa for Australia has lost its sheen following rising joblessness in that country?
There’s no doubt that joblessness is being faced by most of the countries, however, Australia does not seem to be affected so severely, as the number of Indian students going to Australia is still increasing. In fact, I think these numbers may go higher, as many of the students who have lost their jobs in India because of their limited skills would like to avail this opportunity to upgrade their education and skill level, and thereby better prepare themselves for the future.
Most of the Indian students apply for Australian universities under peer pressure or because of family ties. Does it help?
It is not entirely true, though Indian students do follow their friends and relatives. But this could be the case with anybody in any country. In fact, this can happen only if the students who have gone earlier are happy and satisfied with their institutions and living conditions there. The word of mouth is so strong for Australia, that it has become one of the most favourable destinations for students.
Australia boasts about having world-class universities. How would you rate them in comparison to Oxford and Harvard?
There are no Oxfords and Harvards in Australia, but there are eight universities out of a total of 41 which can be compared with any world class universities, and all of them are considered to be in the top 100 universities in the world. The Australian government legislation requires that all its institutions be registered and meet quality assurance measures. It is upto the student to choose institutions which fulfil their needs and aspirations. All Australian universities have a very important role in research and development.
A majority of Indian students opt for Hospitality or Hair Dressing for an easy Australian PR. Do you think it is worth it?
There is a big attraction for Australia’s PR, and many education agents in India and Australia have used this as a tool to market Australian education. The Australian government is very concerned about this, and a recent change in the policy, that of bringing a Critical Skills List category, was one move by the government in this direction. There could be more changes in the near future to counter this move.
How do you see the Australian study visa a couple of years from now in view of the country’s tightening study visa laws?
The tightening of student visa laws depends on the compliance rate of the country, and this is not only applied by Australia, any country will do it when the international students do not comply with the conditions of their visas. Australia is one of the popular destinations for Indian students and it will remain so in the future also, as it offers all that an international student wants from overseas education. It is the first country to bring the legislation not only to protect the rights of the international students, but also to specify the obligations of the education providers in Australia, and hassles of online student visa facility from India.
Sir, you have decades of experience as a study abroad consultant. Any message for students wishing to study abroad?
Indian students should be very careful while choosing a course and an institute. They should not compromise their career just for the sake of friends or relatives. The course should be chosen according to their own strengths and interests, rather than what course would lead to their getting a PR. Education and PR are two different things and they should never be mixed, in Australia, or elsewhere.
