The Australian government points out the high rate of cheating in bank account documents by Indian students; living costs raised

Over the past two decades, Indian students' mobility to foreign universities has become an integral part of the

Representative photo

India's higher education landscape. But off late, there has been an increase in fake documentation for getting the beneficial visa outcome.

In a letter written by the Australian government to Universities Australia -- the top industry peak body representing Australia's 39 universities -- the officials have addressed concerns raised by the education providers over the student's visa process, particularly in India.

High fraud
The letter written by Peter Vardos PSM, First Assistant Secretary, migration and Visa Policy Division, to CEO of Universities Australia, Dr Glenn Withers AO mentioned that forensic analysis of applications conducted by Immigration officers at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi has found extremely high rates of fraud within documentation being provided in support of student visa applications in India.

Vardos warned CEO of Universities Australia about Indians, saying that over 50 percent of cases analysed had contained at least one fraudulent document, with many of these cases containing numerous fraudulent documents. "The highest rate of fraud has been in relation to the financial support for the visa applications. This fraud has overwhelmingly been detected in education loan documentation, or documentation associated with these loans."

Agent trouble
"It has become clear to the department that some education providers leave their requirement activity exclusively in the hands of education agents. If providers are finding large numbers of students they enroll are being refused visas, they should look closely at their recruitment process. Education providers are encouraged to make sure they are fully aware of the practices of agents who represent them and to consider opportunities for direct communication with potential students over and above the activities undertaken by education agents," he further said in his letter issued in the first week of December.

When MiD DAY contacted Michael Carter, Australian Trade Commissioner, he refused comment saying he was in Colombo on an official visit.

However, an official associated with the Australian embassy in New Delhi, requesting anonymity, said: "Though we have a tight scrutiny process but we don't want to take any chances. Such directives will further help to strengthen the entire process. In Delhi itself, we have engaged many agents on a number of occasions about the integrity process, upcoming policy changes and to encourage better agent practices."

Overhaul done
Most of the countries have overhauled their migration policies to curb such frauds. In July-October, 2008-09, 20,398 students were given visas for Australia and 1443 were denied. For the same period in 2009-10, visas to only 12,463 students were granted and 7011 were refused.

Naresh Gulati, CEO, Oceanic Consultants, said: "It is high time that the industry wakes up to the cause. The governments of various countries need to devise a mechanism that allows only quality institutions to admit students. This will itself take care of the problem."

20,398 Number of students granted Australian visa in 2008-09

12,463 Number of students granted Australian visa in 2009-10

Cost of living
In November, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced that the 'living cost' component of the student visa requirements would be increased from $12,000 to $18,000 per annum from January 1, 2010.

Money game

According to reports, presently around 104,522 Indian students are studying in the US followed by over 97,000 in Australia, 25,905 in the UK and over 6,040 in New Zealand. According to Ministry of Overseas Affairs, demand for overseas higher education is increasing with over 2.64 lakh Indian students, who have gone abroad for studies, spending approximately about Rs 27,000 crore ($5.5 billion) every year. How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story My imperfect family› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT