BY ARATHI SASIKUMAR

Melbourne’s status as an international education hub is facing scrutiny as some students experience visa delays and steep living expenses, sparking calls for policy reforms.

Midhun Ajay Kumar, a 33-year-old prospective international student, has just deferred his plans to pursue a Masters in Environment and Sustainability at Monash University.

“I was planning to start my Masters in February intake, but due to immigration and visa delays, I had to defer to July,” Kumar said.

The uncertainty surrounding visa processing times left him in a state of limbo, unsure of his academic and professional future.

“The university extended the joining date and allowed me to join online classes,” he said.

He acknowledged the reassuring assistance provided by universities, but stressed the need for systemic reforms addressing visa delays and high living costs.

“The plan was to resign from the current job, take leave from family and then join for my February intake," he said.

“But then I was not getting any response [from the Department of Home Affairs] and it [my visa] was still in the processing stage. The classes had already begun by then.”

Kumar said there is a need for policy reforms to streamline visa processes and enhance communication channels between applicants and government authorities. 

“Communication needs to be clear and precise."

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil told The Conversation the Australian Government is relying on a tightening of visa regulations, greater integrity measures and increased entry requirements to reduce the number of students.

Kumar said the government’s decision to reduce the number of students has affected international students’ educational aspirations.  

“I saw the news that, in Australia, visas for citizens of India and Bangladesh were delayed because of some illegal activities that happened last year,” he said.

According to ABC News, there has been a notable increase in individuals unlawfully posing as students in active efforts to migrate to Australia over the past few years, as estimated by the Home Affairs Department.

International Consultants for Education and Fairs noted that the Australian Government’s stringent immigration policies, aimed at safeguarding national security, have posed challenges for legitimate international students.

Acknowledging the need for security measures, Kumar emphasised the importance of transparent communication to avoid the emotional toll on genuine applicants.

“It’s important to make the process more transparent and streamlined so that students can focus on their academic pursuits without undue stress, and that’s what the policy reforms should aim for,” Kumar said.  

He said he is convinced that by fostering a sense of community among applicants, such initiatives could alleviate the stress and uncertainty surrounding visa applications.

He said international students need to discuss their research status and plans with peers, even if they don’t know them, as it can provide valuable emotional support.

Meanwhile, a Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice report last year found international students are going hungry at an alarming rate.  

The report called for better support and assistance for international students. 

Adit Prem, a 20-year-old student from India, studying sports medicine at Deakin University, said he has experienced the financial strains faced by students in Melbourne.

“When you come down here and you start buying groceries, you start eating out, you start going out and you realise how much you’re spending every month,” Prem said.

He said it is hard to find a job to ease the cost-of-living pressure.  

“I have seen sites like Indeed and Seek. They [job advertisements] don’t really help as much and applying online hasn’t been very successful for me.”

Universities like Monash and Deakin have extended their commitment to student wellbeing through advocacy services provided by their respective student associations, Monash Student Association and Deakin University Student Association.

Kumar is planning to arrive in Melbourne in July, because his visa arrived one week after he deferred the January intake.

Prem continues his job search and strives to balance his academic struggles with the high cost of living in Melbourne.