Iranian students frustrated over sanctions

RMIT University has halted all applications from Syria and Iran in response to government sanctions.

Allison Worrall reports.

“Shaahin Madani is the President of RMIT’s Iranian Association. He says Iranian students are frustrated by the university’s decision to stop processing applications and withdraw Semester two offers to Iranians and Syrians. He says they feel like their motives to study are being questioned. “Nobody likes to be blamed for being born in Iran.” In a statement, the deputy vice chancellor international and development Michelle Hoodbhoy said new government legislation required universities to review applications from countries affected by sanctions and the halt was only temporary while a review was conducted. But the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the sanctions only affect some research students and there is no basis for a blanket ban on enrolments. President of the RMIT University Student Union, James Michelmore says there is a backlog of applications due to the additional review criteria the government imposed. “While I understand the university considers this to be beyond their control, I would have expected greater clarity in their dealing with this matter.”  RMIT has removed a webpage regarding the matter from their website. This is Allison Worrall reporting for City Journal News”

Picture: RMIT University/ Flickr