In their first ever visit to India, this month, a delegation of ten of Australia’s top boarding and day schools visited institutions, agents, government authorities, parents, and students, across the country.
The visit, which was organised by AEAS and Acumen with knowledge partnership of Austrade, comes as Australia debates the ESOS Amendment Bill, which includes plans to cap international student numbers, among other policy changes.
Though the country’s universities remain concerned over the uncertainty surrounding the bill and its impact on one of their largest source markets, Australian schools see an opportunity to increase their presence in the South Asian nation.
“With everything we have learned over the past week, and the school sector being exempt from the caps in Australia’s National Planning Levels, we believe this is the perfect time for Australian schools to enter this market.”
Tracy O’Halloran, AEAS
“With everything we have learned over the past week, and the school sector being exempt from the caps in Australia’s National Planning Levels, we believe this is the perfect time for Australian schools to enter this market,” said Tracy O’ Halloran, managing director, AEAS, a leading provider of assessment services for international school students in Australia.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase the outstanding quality of school education in Australia and the excellent pathways it offers into university studies for students and their families seeking an Australian education.”
In recent months, reports suggest that study visa applications from India to Australia have plummeted by 66% year-on-year.
While changes such as increases in financial requirements, as well as English language requirements, may have contributed to the drop, many universities had also imposed restrictions on Indian students from certain states over fraudulent applications.
As interest in higher education in Australia wanes among Indian students and parents, Australian schools are experiencing a different trajectory in India.
“Although the market has primarily focused on higher education, we have observed a notable increase in applications and interest from Indian families seeking to enrol their school-aged children in NSW Government Schools,” said Juan Ospina, business development manager for NSW Government Schools, which was part of the Australian boarding school delegation to India.
“The AEAS Australian Schools Familiarisation Trip to India has provided us with an invaluable opportunity to delve into the potential available in India for the Australian school sector.”
The delegation, which visited Mumbai and Delhi, also included representatives from Christ Church Grammar School, Immanuel College, PLC Sydney, Siena College, South Australian Government Schools, Strathcona Girls College, St. Leonard’s College, The Scots College, and Wesley College.
During their visit the schools met with known international schools in India, including the British School, Shiv Nadar School, and GD Goenka School, exploring how Indian schools have evolved over the years.
The delegation also had the opportunity to meet over 25 education agents, with whom they are expected to explore collaboration opportunities, including recruiting students from India.
As part of the visit, education fairs and seminars were held in both the cities, leading to a direct dialogue between school representatives and over 100 families in India.
“School visits, agent workshops and parent meetings have given us a microscopic insight into the culture, education systems and future possibilities for all stakeholders,” said Steve Blight, director of community relations and development, Immanuel College.
“As an educator, it has also been heart-warming and rewarding to see the value that teachers, parents and students in India place on education.”
According to Vik Singh, trade and investment commissioner, Austrade South Asia, there is immense collaborative opportunities between Australian schools and Indian stakeholders, especially schools.
“Reciprocity would be a key driver for Australia – India school partnerships, particularly the ability to sustain and reciprocate efforts between school leaders, educators and policy makers,” said Singh.
Once dominated by British boarding schools, the international K-12 segment now sees representation from the US, Canada, Spain, and more importantly Australia.
Moreover, with private schools across the UK expected to see a drop in international student recruitment due to the new VAT policy, Australian schools stand to benefit from India’s vast K-12 sector.
“We at Acumen see incredible potential in India for international schools,” said Sagar Bahadur, executive director India, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, Acumen.
“Our local knowledge and experience in the K-12 sector have helped institutions achieve a variety of goals, including setting up new campuses, offering international curricula, finding local partners, supporting student and educator mobility, sharing best practices, or assisting with student recruitment. We’re excited to continue supporting schools in this rapidly evolving market.”
