Australia has tightened its student visa regulations. With this move, Australia joins countries like the U.S. and Canada in imposing strict restrictions on international education pathways. Several Australian universities including Federation University, Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and Southern Cross University have temporarily halted applications from students in Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir.

These restrictions are part of Australia's stricter measures aimed at curbing the misuse of the student visa system. The development has caused unrest among visa consultants and students in India, especially in Gujarat. Many students from Gujarat view Australia as a top destination for higher education.According to education consultants, nearly 20% of students from Gujarat who plan to study abroad choose Australia. However, with the newly imposed restrictions, the number of students from Gujarat heading to Australia is expected to decrease significantly.