New Pathway Opens for Indian Students to Migrate to Australia
Record Indian Student Enrolments in Australia
Australian institutions are seeing an unprecedented influx of Indian students, marking a significant shift in the landscape of international education and migration.
According to the Department of Education, by July 2025, there were 159,530 Indian students enrolled in Australia. This is an increase of 31,000 from the peak before the pandemic and is 6.6 times higher than enrolments in 2005.
Enrolment Trends and Growth
India remains Australia’s second-largest source of international students. The consistent growth in enrolments over the last two decades highlights the increasing demand for global education and Australia’s attractiveness as a destination for academic and professional growth.
Higher vs Vocational Education
Among the total enrolments, 94,271 Indian students were engaged in higher education, primarily at universities. Additionally, 63,613 chose vocational education and training (VET) programs. This breakdown illustrates the diverse educational pathways available in Australia, from academic degrees to practical job-ready training that align with various career aspirations.
Impact on Australian Migration Pathways
The rising number of Indian students has significant implications for Australia’s skilled migration system. Many international students aim to transition from study to work and explore visa sponsorship post-graduation. Common options include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa: A visa for skilled workers sponsored by employers for specific roles.
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa: This provides permanent residency to qualified individuals without needing employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: This offers a pathway for individuals willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
These pathways are often part of Australia’s SkillSelect system, a points-based programme that evaluates candidates based on education, work experience, age, and English proficiency.
Navigating Visa Sponsorship as a Student
If you are considering studying in Australia, it’s essential to understand how your education might lead to career and migration opportunities. Familiarise yourself with important terms and requirements, such as:
- TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold): The minimum salary required for employer-sponsored visas.
- SkillSelect: The platform used to submit expressions of interest for skilled migration visas.
Planning your educational journey with migration goals in mind will help you choose your studies, work options, and pathways to qualify for long-term opportunities in Australia.
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