Piyush Kumar, Regional Director of IDP Education, reflects on Australia’s emergence as an attractive choice for studying abroad

As the world opens to a new era of globalisation and digitalisation, more and more students are looking to explore their education and career options abroad. Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students as it has a wealth of opportunities for someone looking for a new start in life. Quality education, favourable policies, a multicultural environment, an attractive study and work visa, etc., are a few things that make Australia a viable choice for international students.According to the Australian Education Minister, Jason Dean Clare, about 70,000 Indian students are currently studying in Australia. There are multiple reasons for Indians to opt for Australia as a study-abroad destination, and how it is becoming the most preferred destination for them.
Excellent bilateral policies: The Governments signing a Framework Mechanism for a collaborative future
To increase student mobility and promote institutional partnership between India and Australia, both countries signed a Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications in March 2023. The new mechanism is a significant step towards promoting global mobility and improving educational opportunities for all. The signing of the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both countries to create a more connected and collaborative future. The agreement signed will allow students and professionals to move more easily between India and Australia and create more opportunities for collaboration. This will help to attract more international students and researchers from both countries and help to raise the profile of Indian and Australian institutions by recognising the quality of education they provide. It is a huge step towards strengthening the educational ties between India and Australia and encouraging greater partnership and exchange of knowledge amongst academic institutions.

Great employment opportunities for students
Australia has a robust economy and offers great employment opportunities for graduates. The Australian government recently extended the Post-Study work rights (PSWR) of up to two extra years for international students, which will allow them to secure employment in their respective fields. This two-year extension of post-study work rights will be effective from 1 July 2023. As a result, International students completing Bachelors or Masters in certain subjects can get up to 6-7 years of post-study work visa to stay back and gain work experience. The Government has also announced an increase to the part-time working hour cap for international students while studying, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight, from 1 July 2023.
Also, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in the country remained at 3.5%, and employment increased by 11,300 people (0.1%).
A sea of opportunities for students
One of the main reasons why students prefer Australia is its strong and quality education system. Australian universities are known for their high-quality education and offer a wide range of courses to choose from. The universities in Australia rank highly in global university rankings and are known for their research-focused approach to education. Additionally, the Australian government invests heavily in its education system, ensuring that students receive a quality education that is recognised worldwide. Australian universities also offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help international students manage the cost of their education.

Preferred destination for Indian students
World-class education, job facilities, work-life balance, employment opportunities, favourable bilateral ties, and incredible industrial infrastructure make Australia a great place to live and work. What’s even more encouraging to see is that according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA), nearly 34000 student visa applications were received from India between July 2022 to January 2023. In 2022 there were more than 1,00,000 Indian students in Australian universities, according to the Australian Department of Education.
Australia's multicultural communities thrive with diversity
Australia's multicultural society and welcoming culture make it a desirable location for international students. Additionally, with favourable immigration and cultural environment, the country's diverse population provides a unique opportunity for international students to experience and integrate into different cultures and customs.
Australia remains to be a popular destination for international students seeking higher education due to its strong education system, lower cost of living, multicultural society, and the robust job market. The country's stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities also make it an attractive location for students who are looking for a well-rounded study abroad experience. While other countries such as the USA, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom also offer excellent education opportunities, Australia's unique blend of qualities makes it a preferred destination for students from all over the world, and its strong bilateral ties with India make it more preferable for Indian students.
By: Piyush Kumar, Regional Director of IDP Education
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of IDP Education by Times Internet’s Spotlight team