Australia Relaxes Visa Norms for Indian Ph.D. Aspirants
- Australian Universities have witnessed over 60% growth in the number of Indian research students.
- In a report, the Indian academics urged the Australian government to set up a special class of visa for Ph.D. researchers and graduates.
Eight Australian research universities, that are popularly known as Group of Eight (Go8), have relaxed visa norms between India and Australia for students seeking to pursue Ph.D. in either country. The academics of both countries identified that lack of awareness, finance and logistic barriers are the major obstacles hampering the flow of Ph.D. students in Australia and India. In a report, the Indian academics urged the Australian government to set up a special class of visa for Ph.D. researchers and graduates.
Also Read: - 52 Indian Students Qualified for Australian Scholarship Scheme 2018
CEO of Go8, Mr. Vicki Thomson hailed the different initiatives of the Indian government to reform the country’s economy. Make in India has become highly significant through which Indian and Australian-based companies in India can jointly sponsor Indian students to take up a study on Ph.D. projects relevant to their businesses, he added.
Director of IIT Bombay, Mr. Devang Khakhar pointed that India needs Ph.D. graduates to fulfil the requirement of faculties in higher learning institutes. Over the years, the number of higher learning institutes has been increased significantly, and there is a vast shortage of teaching faculties, he added.
Giving details about the joint Ph.D. course of IIT Bombay, Mr. Devang Khakhar explained that the premier institute launched joint Ph.D. course over 11 years ago. IIT Bombay offers joint Ph.D. course in collaboration with Monash University (Australia). This year, IIT Bombay has decided to invite Australian students to pursue their Ph.D. in the premier technical institute. so far, only Indian students were benefitted from the joint Ph.D. course, he concluded.
Also Read: - Australian Foreign Minister Enlightens Indian Students about Education Opportunities
Australian Universities have witnessed over 60% growth in the number of Indian research students. By 2016, 1,093 students enrolled in the Ph.D. course in Australian universities. The similar scenario has not been prevalent in India. According to MHRD report, only one student from Australia was enrolled in the Ph.D. course in India during the year 2015-16.