In financial year 2023, it is estimated that almost 93 thousand more Indians migrated to Australia than emigrated, This marked the highest net overseas migration from India within the measured period.

As of 2024, there were a total of over *** thousand Indians living in Australia. Out of this population, ****** belonged to the Persons of Indian Origin category.

Migrants from the United Kingdom have long been Australia’s primary immigrant group and in 2023 there were roughly 960 thousand English-born people living in Australia. India and China held second and third place respectively with regard to Australia’s foreign-born population. The relative dominance of Asian countries in the list of top ten foreign-born residents of Australia represents a significant shift in Australia’s immigration patterns over the past few decades. Where European-born migrants had previously overshadowed other migrant groups, Australian migration figures are now showing greater migration numbers from neighboring countries in Asia and the Pacific. A history of migration Australia is often referred to as an ‘immigrant nation’, alongside the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Before the Second World War, migrants to Australia were almost exclusively from the UK, however after 1945, Australia’s immigration policy was broadened to attract economic migrants and temporary skilled migrants. These policy changes saw and increase in immigrants particularly from Greece and Italy. Today, Australia maintains its status as an ‘’Immigrant nation’’, with almost 30 percent of the population born overseas and around 50 percent of the population having both that were born overseas. Australian visas The Australian immigration program has two main categories of visa, permanent and temporary. The permanent visa category offers three primary pathways: skilled, family and humanitarian. The skilled visa category is by far the most common, with more than a million permanent migrants living in Australia on this visa category at the last Australian census in 2021. Of the temporary visa categories, the higher education visa is the most popular, exceeding 180 thousand arrivals in 2023.

In 2021, there were over ** thousand Indian nationals with permanent residence in Australia. Out of this, ** percent were women. After peaking in 2017, the number of Indians with permanent residency declined. Australia is one of the leading countries hosting migrants from India.

In the first half of 2023, the visa issuances to Indian students from four leading destinations amounted to over *** thousand. Visa issuances significantly picked up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia are the major destinations preferred by Indian students for pursuing oversees education.

As of January 2024, Canada emerged as the leading destination for Indian students pursuing higher education in foreign countries, with over ******* students. The United States hosted over *******, followed by the United Kingdom. Over *********** Indian students were estimated to be studying abroad in that period. The Big 4 dominance With high-quality education, well-ranked universities, and post-study career prospects, the Big Four, namely Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia emerged as favorites among other study abroad destinations. Courses offered in English and long-established migration ties have eased student pathways for years. Winds of change The changing political climate, tougher immigration policies, and higher cost of living are, however, pushing many students to explore alternative destinations like Germany, France, the UAE, New Zealand, and Russia, among others. Rising job opportunities and favorable visa policies are drawing Indian students to these non-traditional destinations. Education experts are now increasingly expecting a shift from the Big 4 to the Big 14 tier of countries.

In 2024, over ******* students emigrated from India to study abroad. The number of students emigrating from India was the highest in 2023. The number of students going abroad declined drastically during the pandemic, however, with the opening of international borders there was an uptick in the number of students going abroad for education. Why are Indian students pursuing foreign education? English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are most preferred by Indian students. The countries also have top-tier universities, specialized courses, and better post-study work opportunities. The easy availability of educational loans and increasing scholarship options are some of the reasons that influence Indian students to pursue foreign education. Which foreign study programs are popular? Indian students predominantly prefer enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Postgraduate management courses also have a steady following among Indian students. The pursuit of medical education in foreign countries is increasingly becoming popular among Indian students due to the limited availability of seats in Indian medical colleges. Key destinations for medical degrees include Russia, Georgia, China, and Kazakhstan among others.

In 2023, over *** thousand Indians renounced their citizenship. This was a decline from the previous which recorded the highest number of passports relinquished. The number of people giving up their Indian citizenship has significantly increased since 2020. Most of these became citizens of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.