Recently, the Australian Parliament approved the (ECTA)- Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement inked with India in April this year. It accelerated the agreement implementation on the agreed date, December 29, 2022. This agreement will help in a new era of relationships between the two countries in the New Year 2023 and beyond. Once implemented, the contract will benefit different sectors. Most importantly, it would positively impact the education sector, and Indian students would have an opportunity to pursue their foreign dream with admission into renowned Australian Universities.

This pact will make the track clear for Indian students to stay, study and earn in Australia by streamlining the visa procedure. Under the agreement, Indian students will get a post-study work visa. This initiative will particularly aid Indian graduates, postgraduates, and STEM experts; they will get extended post-work visas. According to the agreement, every student who visits Australia for study purposes will get an opportunity to work there based on their academic qualification.

After completing their course/programme, students registered in diploma programmes can apply for visas valid for up to 18 months. Students seeking bachelor’s degrees can now register for up to two years of post-study work visas, while those with master’s/doctoral degrees can register or apply for up to four years. So, they will be able to labor in Australia for up to four years. Over 1 lakh Indian students will get a post-study work visa under the agreement over the next 1 to 4 years.

Additionally, Australia will give vacation and employment visas to nearly 1000 Indians between the ages of 18 and 30 annually. Students will be permitted to join a job the whole time or register in a training/study programme for up to four months. There will definitely be an opportunity for students to gain international experience, develop their capabilities, or enhance their financial situation.

This agreement also emphasizes accelerating research between the two countries. As a result, universities in India and Australia would be able to collaborate and will create a conducive climate for researchers. Students with research interests are much more likely to thrive in their endeavors. The two nations intend to introduce dual degree programmes to raise the bar for research.

The pact contains clauses that call for the opening of communications between the two nations’ professional organisations. MRAs in architecture, nursing, and other services will be among the subjects covered. Professionals will find it more comfortable to travel, allowing Indian workers to explore their opportunities in Australia. Currently, 1500 Indian CAs are employed by MRA in Australia. Also, under the understanding, Indian Yoga teachers and chefs will obtain the annual visa quota.

In addition, the expectation is to create up to 10 lakh employment opportunities in India due to this agreement over the following 4–5 years. This agreement will be advantageous for working professionals and students who will enter the workforce during this period. It will not only strengthen connections between the two nations but also boost welfare for citizens and increase living standards.

With these clauses, the agreement seems to expand cooperation in the academic field. Australian education has been in great demand globally due to its superior quality, strict accreditation criteria, powerful support system for overseas students, appropriate curriculum, and higher return on investment. The approval of the agreement between the two nations will allow Indian students to reap the advantages of a sophisticated educational system and accomplish their life goals.