Australia’s investment in India is still on the rise, especially in transnational education (TNE), as more and more Australian institutions are now seeking to expand their presence in the Indian market. Education is increasingly becoming a key pillar in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
John Southwell, senior trade and investment commissioner for Austrade South Asia, was a speaker at the first Festival of Australia in India. According to Southwell, numerous Australian universities are exploring opportunities to establish a presence in India, highlighting the importance of such investments. “The idea is to not just study in Australia but study with Australia. He said that setting up a presence in India involves significant infrastructure investments, recruitment, and local partnerships.
The University of Wollongong and Deakin have already opened their campuses in GIFT City. The University of Melbourne has opened a global center in Delhi. These developments underline Australia’s commitment to expanding educational ties with India, a relationship that began as a strategic partnership in 2009 and became a comprehensive strategic partnership by 2020.
The Festival of Australia has been held in cities as diverse as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kochi, but its goal is to not only present the academic opportunities of Australian institutions but also the overall lifestyle and cultural advantages for Indian students. “We are demonstrating Australia’s best institutions along with luxury food and beverages to connect with students and their families,” Southwell said.
This cultural and educational exchange is also a platform for expanding Australia’s brand awareness in India and building synergies beyond education, particularly in the agri-food sector. The event will be held in ten Indian cities, with additional stops in Dhaka and Colombo, focusing on both educational collaboration and broader economic engagement.
Despite concerns surrounding policy changes, notably the ESOS Amendment Bill which proposes caps on international student enrollments, Southwell reiterated that Australia continues to be a premier destination for Indian students. He remarked, “Australian education has consistently been a high-quality, premium offering. It remains accessible to all, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards.”
Although the number of Indian students in Australia has declined slightly, they still constitute a significant portion of the international student population, with over 160,000 enrollments and 68,000 new commencements for the year ending August 2024. Australian education continues to play a crucial role in India’s skill development and contributes to global economic growth.
Australian universities are diversifying their offerings to attract Indian students, including programs in emerging fields such as aggrotech and wine production. This expansion highlights the growing appeal of Australian higher education and its role in fostering stronger ties between Australia and India.
