Australia has long been a coveted destination for international students, with Nepal being one of its key feeder markets. However, a dramatic shift in visa policies has cast a long shadow over the dreams of countless Nepalese aspiring to study Down Under.
Once a burgeoning source of international students for Australia, Nepal is now facing a steep decline in visa approvals. While the number of Nepalese students enrolled in Australian universities has been steadily increasing, the number of new student visas issued has plummeted. A stark contrast is evident when comparing the 17,000 visas granted in 2023 to the mere 8,000 issued in 2024.
The reasons behind this drastic reduction are multifaceted. Stricter visa regulations, heightened scrutiny of financial capacity and genuine student intent, and an increase in visa fraud cases have made it significantly harder for Nepalese students to secure visas. Moreover, the allure of other study destinations like Canada and the UK is also drawing students away from Australia.
This sudden shift in policy has sent shockwaves through Nepal’s education sector. Education consultants and students alike are grappling with the reasons behind this sudden shift in Australia’s immigration policy.
“The Australian border remained closed to students for two years during the pandemic, creating significant demand pressure once borders reopened in early 2022,” said Suchit Phuyal, CEO at Kathmandu-based NAVC Education Group, to The PIE News. Despite 17,000 students being granted visas for higher education last year, the number dropped to a mere 8,000 in 2024.
The consequences of this visa crackdown are far-reaching. Students who have invested time and money in the application process are now facing uncertainty. Many have deferred their study plans, while others are exploring alternative destinations. This sudden shift in policy has also impacted education consultancies, which rely heavily on student placements to sustain their businesses.
To shed more light on this issue, we spoke with Bahadur, a student who was denied an Australian student visa after investing a significant amount in the application process.
“I had been dreaming of studying in Australia since I was a child. I worked incredibly hard to meet all the visa requirements, sacrificing countless hours and family time. When I received the rejection letter, it felt like my world crumbled. The uncertainty about my future is overwhelming, and I’m struggling to find the motivation to pursue other options.”
Education consultants are also expressing deep concern and frustration over the escalating rate of student visa rejections.
“The surge in visa rejections is causing immense distress for both students and our consultancy. We invest significant time and resources in guiding students through the complex application process. To see their dreams shattered due to increasingly stringent visa policies is disheartening. This trend not only affects individual aspirations but also impacts our business and the overall reputation of Australia as a preferred study destination,” said Mr. Arjun Rai, CEO of Himalayan Education Consultancy.
Australia’s international student population is a significant economic driver. In 2023, the sector contributed an estimated AUD 48 billion to the economy. Nepalese students have been a substantial part of this equation. However, the recent decline in visa approvals is likely to impact these figures.
The breakdown of international student cohorts in Australia reveals a diverse landscape. India remains the top source country, followed by China and Nepal. While the exact figures for Nepalese students as a percentage of the total international student population are not readily available, their contribution to the sector has been undeniable.
The Australian government’s decision to tighten visa restrictions for Nepalese students is a setback for both countries. It not only hampers the aspirations of young Nepali students but also impacts Australia’s education sector. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether Australia will reconsider its stance or if students will continue to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
