India has taken the lead in Australian student visa grants, surpassing China in February 2025. This marks a significant shift in the landscape of international students in Australia. According to recent data, over 2,734 Indian students were granted visas to study in Australia, showing a notable increase compared to 2,398 visas issued in January.
Key Highlights
India leads Australian student visa grants: Over 2,734 Indian students approved in February 2025.
Visa approvals surpass previous records: Total Indian student visas in 2025 exceed 5,000.
China ranks second: India overtakes China in February’s visa issuances.
Surge in Indian Students Choosing Australia
In February 2025, India surpassed China in the number of student visas issued by Australia. This marks India as the leading country for student visa approvals, with 2,734 visas granted to Indian students. This figure represents a significant rise from the 2,398 visas issued in January 2025.
As of now, Australia has granted over 5,000 visas to Indian students in 2025 alone.
Government Initiatives Drive the Surge
Australia’s increasing appeal to Indian students is supported by several government and university-led initiatives. These include scholarships, student exchange programs, and simplified visa processes. These efforts have made Australia a top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education.
China Now in Second Place
China, traditionally the largest source of international students in Australia, now ranks second in terms of student visa approvals. Following China, countries like Bangladesh and Nepal have also seen a rise in student visa issuances.
This shift highlights the growing influence of India in Australia’s higher education sector and the benefits of its liberal policies in attracting international students.
Why Indian Students Choose Australia
The rising number of Indian students in Australia can be attributed to several factors. Australia offers world-class education, diverse career opportunities, and vibrant campus life. Popular fields of study for Indian students include IT, engineering, business, and healthcare.
Opportunities for Post-Study Careers
In addition to quality education, Australia’s post-study work opportunities play a significant role in attracting international students. After completing their studies, students can access a robust job market, which further incentivizes them to pursue education and careers in Australia.
South Australia’s Efforts to Engage Indian Students
In recent months, the Premier of South Australia visited India to promote educational and career opportunities in the city of Adelaide and other parts of the state. During the visit, three university chancellors and vice-chancellors discussed the promising research opportunities available in Australia, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading destination for higher education.
Growth of Indian Students in Australia
As of September 2023, India was the second-largest source of international students in Australia, with approximately 122,391 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions. The continued rise in student visa approvals reflects the growing educational collaboration between India and Australia.
Experts predict that the trend will continue, with more Indian students choosing Australia as their study destination in the coming months.
Australia’s Cap on International Student Numbers
In an effort to manage the growing demand for international students, the Australian government announced in August 2024 that it would cap the number of new overseas students to 270,000 for the 2025 calendar year. This move aims to address challenges in the housing market and ensure the sustainability of the international education sector.
Despite this cap, Australia’s status as a top destination for higher education remains strong, and Indian students are expected to benefit from streamlined visa processes in the future.
