Sharp Rise in Visa Rejections Worsens Prospects for Bangladeshi Students
The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Bangladeshi students interested in going to Australia for higher studies. The rate of obtaining student visas in the country has dropped sharply. At the same time, the rejection rate has also increased.
According to recent data from the Department of Home Affairs Australia, only 67.6 percent of higher education visa applications submitted from abroad were approved in February this year.
This is the lowest rate in at least the past 21 years.
Bangladeshi students are facing the most difficulties. In February, 51 percent of applicants from Bangladesh did not receive visas. That means more than half of the applicants were rejected.
The data was published by Times Higher Education.
It shows that visa rejections have also increased in several other South Asian countries. For example, 40 percent in India, 65 percent in Nepal, 38 percent in Sri Lanka, and 36 percent in Bhutan had their applications rejected.
Experts say that Australian authorities have now made the verification process more stringent.
Greater emphasis is being placed on whether applicants are genuinely going for studies, resulting in many applications being rejected.
Meanwhile, applications from South Asian countries have also increased. Compared to the same time last year, applications from Bangladesh have increased by 51 percent. The rate is 36 percent for India and 91 percent for Nepal.
However, applications from China have decreased.
This situation is also affecting Australian universities. If the visa rejection rate increases, the “risk” level of an institution rises. As a result, future applications to those institutions may be scrutinized more strictly.
Concern has been expressed by the International Education Association of Australia. The organization says that immediate action is needed regarding the rising visa rejection rate.
Overall, this is not an easy time for Bangladeshi students planning higher education in Australia. Therefore, concerned parties advise thoroughly checking necessary documents and preparation before applying.
