Latest news with #VikSingh
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian students opting for Australia as immigration policies tighten in U.S., U.K.: Experts
Restrictive policies of countries like the United States and the United Kingdom concerning international students and post-study work might push more Indian students towards Australia, experts said. Notably, India ranks second in international student enrolments to Australian universities between 2003 and 2024, according to data from the Australian government's Education Department. With a record 139,038 students, India made up 16% of the total number of foreign student enrolments in Australian universities in 2024, second only to China. 'Australia has remained a key destination for aspiring Indian students for the last many years. Currently, over 1,30,000 Indian students are enrolled in Australian universities, marking a steady year-on-year increase for the last five years. I see that in an upwards trajectory,' Vik Singh, Commissioner of Education at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), told The Hindu. Mr. Singh highlighted that factors like restrictive policies in other countries, coupled with high global rankings of Australian universities, safety of students, and a liberal post-study work system have also made Australia a more appealing choice to Indian students than other destinations. 'Indians, in particular, can leverage a more generous post-study work system in Australia than most other international students. Courtesy of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Indian students can stay for a maximum of four years after completing their degree to work in Australia. So, academic excellence, liberal post-study work options, and a warm and welcoming environment put together can explain the increasing number of Indian students opting to go to Australia,' Mr. Singh said. The Austrade Commissioner also underlined that Australia is one of the first countries to have branch campuses in India. 'We have two universities, the University of Wollongong and Deakin University, operating with branch campuses in India. We have more branch campuses coming up in Mumbai and Delhi. These would greatly benefit students who wish to leverage a degree from Australia without leaving the country,' Mr. Singh said. He added that there are about 430-odd partnerships between Australian and Indian institutions, offering students the opportunity to get a degree from a quality Indian institution as well as a quality Australian institution. According to data from the Australian government, the number of Indian students enrolling to Australian universities peaked in 2024, following a steady increase from 2015. These observations assume importance in light of the United States' recent decision to halt student visa appointments and check social media accounts of applicants for 'anti-American' sentiments. The Donald Trump government has also cracked down on existing student visa-holders and slashed funding for universities, leading to uncertainty among Indian students aspiring to pursue an education in the United States. On the other hand, Britain's Labour government, in a white paper released on May 12 this year, said that it will strengthen the requirements for sponsoring institutions to recruit international students, to prevent misuse of student visas. The policy paper, titled 'Restoring control over the immigration system', also said that the U.K. government will 'reduce the ability for Graduates to remain in the U.K. after their studies to a period of 18 months after their graduation'. Earlier, international students could stay in the United Kingdom for two years (or three years for PhD students) after graduation to work or look for jobs. In June, the Australian government organised the 'Festival of Australia' in Kolkata, Coimbatore, Dhaka, and Colombo, to connect aspirants to representatives from Australian universities.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NEP 2020 encourages pursuit of dual-degrees of Indian and Australian universities: Austrade Commissioner
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed Indian students at an advantage to derive the utility of dual-degree programs, splitting equal time in Indian and Australian higher educational institutions, Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said in Coimbatore on Friday. Addressing the media at a fair conducted by Austrade in which 19 Australian universities showcased opportunities for world-class higher education on their campuses for Indian students and parents, Mr. Vik Singh said there were at present about 1.3 lakh Indian students pursuing higher education in Australian universities, and the number was on the rise. 'The documentation process is simple and the students are provided guidance on the courses, working in Australia, and their rights through the website he said. A student is permitted to work and earn for 20 hours a week during the course of study. The duration of post-study work rights ranging from two to six years depending on the course of study, and the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement endows Indian students the privilege of working for an additional year, Mr. Vik Singh said. Australian universities offer scholarships and were, by and large, cost-effective destinations when compared to universities in European countries, he said. Students mainly choose to study technology, finance, business, and architecture. A rapid change in the choice of subjects was noticeable with students choosing subjects such as Psychology and Biotechnology. On the response in Coimbatore, he said there were 400 applications for the next intake. Reflecting on the discussion Austrade had with trade and industry representatives earlier, Mr. Vik Singh said prospective investors in Australia from Coimbatore were keen on making a foray into Artificial Intelligence, Textiles and Manufacturing, and green energy spaces. Through the third phase of 'Festival of Australia', a first-of-its-kind multi-city showcase celebrating Australia's world-class education and premium food and beverage products, students were facilitated by representatives of universities to explore educational programmes suiting their academic and career aspirations. 'Australia and India's educational ties have deepened over the years, fostering strong economic and cultural connections that continue to grow. The 'Festival of Australia' strengthens Australia's presence in India and celebrates a shared commitment to cross-cultural appreciation and collaboration,' Mr. Vik Singh said.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Coimbatore showing strong interest in international collaboration: Austrade official
Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh 1 2 COIMBATORE: Coimbatore is the ninth city in India where the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is expanding its flagship sectors, an Austrade official said on Thursday. 'Coimbatore is showing strong interest in international collaboration. It is especially so in the case of educational institutions,' Vik Singh, trade and investment commissioner for Austrade, South Asia, said during an interaction with TOI. 'Indian students are attracted to studies related to technology and business, but allied health and psychology have always topped the priorities. Also, there's a good mix of other streams as well, like journalism and architecture,' he said. He said the scope of AI-based studies was also on the rise. 'The academic system of Australia focuses on the work-integrated learning method. The students will work while pursuing their studies. There are students who opt to stay back in Australia post work, and a few return to their home country.' There is an exclusive offer for Indian students that based on their eligibility, one more year of stay is granted. 'For instance, if they are eligible for two years, then it is upgraded to three years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Similarly, it could be 3+1 years, 4+1 years or 6+1 years.' He specified that the work opportunities are very transparent. The skilled occupation list ranges in various fields, including plumbing, videography, surgery and others. Any eligible candidate can reach out to opt for employment on the list. Earlier, while interacting students of the GRD Institutions, Vik said nearly 1.30 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in Australia. He spoke about opportunities in Australia. Students raised queries on post-work opportunities, visa processing, accommodation, fee structure and other opportunities in Australia, all of which were addressed. As part of his two-day visit to Coimbatore, Vik will inaugurate the Festival of Australia at Residency Hotel on Friday. The festival brings together Australia's top-quality institutions, and nearly 20 universities will put up stalls where parents, along with students, can drop by for enquiries on admissions. Further, retail and other trade partners will come together to showcase Australia's premium food and beverage products to Indian consumers. 'The festival will feature an exclusive supermarket that introduces the Indian market to various Australian products. The festival includes a master class,' he said.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Moment horror street brawl breaks out before driver runs over cyclist
The Met Police force has confirmed an arrest was made after a shocking incident on London's streets at around 11.30am today where a mass brawl broke out in Islington Police made an arrest after a brutal street fight on the streets of London earlier today which was caught on video by a horrified onlooker. The footage starts with a man armed with a baseball bat approaching another man who suddenly charged him as he swung his fists, making him drop the brutal weapon with a loud clang and quickly scamper backwards. The video then cut to the man who charged the other thug sitting on a bike attempting to escape. Before he can get away however he was run down by a black BMW, before getting to his knee before the footage stopped. Some claimed the man who charged was holding a large knife, although it is not clear in the video which was uploaded and widely shared on X. It is unknown if anyone was injured in the shocking scenes in Islington, north London. The person who shot the footage can be heard saying: 'It's crazy.' A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "We were called at 11:37hrs on Saturday, 24 May to reports of a group of people fighting in Holloway Road, N19. 'Met officers responded and arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody and there were no reports of any injuries. "Our investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 3012/24May." Camden Police added: 'We were called at 11:37hrs today to reports of a group of people fighting in Holloway Road, N19. 'Officers responded and arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with the incident. There were no reports of injuries.' Earlier this year two men were seen having a fight on a packed bus on a busy high street as shocked passengers watched on. The pair were seen grappling with each other near the door. One swung at his rival before he threw a punch back. The duo then continued to wrestle on the ground. One customer could be seen trying to board the Number 222 service. Another filmed the ugly scenes on their mobile phone. It is unknown what triggered the fight. The shocking incident happened on Monday March 10 as the bus headed to High Street, Uxbridge, west London. Some locals were shocked, but others didn't seem surprised by the brawl. Vik Singh said: 'Madness.' Another added: 'Nothing to see here, just a normal day in London.' A third said: 'This country is going to s*ite.'
