Australia’s tightening of student visa rules is creating uncertainty for some international students, including Mauritians, but could also present an opportunity for the country to strengthen its position as a regional education hub, Mauritius Ambassador to Australia Sarojini Seeneevassen said. In comments to «l'express», she discussed the wider geopolitical and economic pressures shaping Canberra’s migration policy and argued that Mauritius could turn the changing landscape to its advantage.

■ How do you view Australia’s decision to tighten student visa rules?

Governments today face an almost impossible task when global crises collide with domestic vulnerabilities. External shocks that force governments to tighten policies can increase public frustration and create fertile ground for political opposition.

The current catalyst for global anxiety is the conflict in Iran. The subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted international maritime trade, driving up fuel prices and transport costs. For any incumbent government, navigating these macroeconomic pressures is a major challenge. Australia is experiencing this broader strain through a fierce political debate over migration. While the Australian government has managed the issue steadily, it cannot ignore mounting statistics. Authorities have therefore begun tightening student visa restrictions.

■ What does this mean for Mauritian students?

The practice of “visa hopping” – used by a fraction of international students to prolong their stay without genuine academic intent – has contributed to the crackdown. These measures also respond to demands that have long been made by Australia’s opposition.

While this shift may be politically logical from Australia’s perspective, it places many young Mauritians with genuine academic aspirations in a difficult position. It is regrettable that students who genuinely wish to study abroad and return home to contribute to our society may now face the consequences of stricter border policies.

■ Could this also create an opportunity for Mauritius?

Absolutely. Adversity can also create opportunity. Australia’s changing migration policy opens a significant opportunity for Mauritius to strengthen its position as a premier educational hub. Mauritius hosts the only Curtin University campus in the African region, and that institution is already expanding. Rather than viewing Australia’s tighter borders solely as a loss, we should see this as an opportunity to encourage more Australian and international universities to establish or expand their presence in Mauritius.

■ What could Mauritius offer students from the region?

For students across Africa, Mauritius offers an attractive alternative: world-class, Australianaccredited degrees that are more affordable, geographically closer and delivered in a safe, pleasant and accommodating environment. For Mauritian students, it means access to high-quality international education at home, without the expense, stress and bureaucratic hurdles associated with obtaining an Australian student visa.

■ What is the broader opportunity for Mauritius?

By recognizing these shifts in the global environment, Mauritius can turn a challenging geopolitical situation into an advantage – strengthening its role not simply as a tropical destination, but as the intellectual gateway to the region.

■ Are you already discussing this opportunity with Australian universities and academic networks?

Yes. I am already promoting this idea. During my meeting last week with David Mickler, co-chair of the Australia Africa Universities Network, among his other positions at Curtin University, I discussed the potential for Mauritius to further position itself as a bridge between Australia, Africa and the wider region.

Mauritius should actively build on the presence of Curtin University and encourage other Australian and international universities to consider establishing or expanding their presence in Mauritius. This is an opportunity to strengthen our higher education ecosystem, attract students from across Africa and develop Mauritius as an intellectual and educational gateway to the region.

Australia tightens rules for international students

Australia is tightening rules for international students as part of a broader effort to reduce net overseas migration and strengthen the integrity of the temporary migration system, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced September 17.

Family members: Most new international students and temporary graduate visa holders will no longer be able to automatically bring family members to Australia. Existing families already in Australia will not be separated. Exceptions will apply to students from Pacific and ASEAN countries and to certain courses, including Ph.D. programs. Mauritius is not covered by the regional exemptions.

“Visa hopping”: Canberra is targeting repeated visa changes used to prolong stays without genuine academic progression. Moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree remains legitimate, while repeated enrollment at the same or lower qualification level will face greater scrutiny. Genuine pathways from study to graduate employment and, where eligible, permanent residency remain possible.

Student numbers: The 2027 National Planning Level remains at 295,000 new overseas student commencements, the same as 2026. TAFE students and certain strategically important cohorts are exempt.

Next step: The government is also considering an expression-of-interest system to give it greater control over who enters Australia as a student. This would require further implementation.