Over the last decade, Australia has steadily climbed the preference list of Pakistani students considering overseas education. In 2025, with updated post-study work rights, streamlined visa pathways, and a growing South Asian student community, Australia has become one of the most attractive destinations. This article looks at the latest trends, reasons behind this shift, and how Australia compares with other popular destinations like the UK and Canada.
Why the Shift Towards Australia?
- Improved Visa Approval Rates
- After a dip in 2023–24 due to stricter assessments, 2025 has seen a moderate recovery in visa grant rates for Pakistani students.
- Introduction of priority processing for certain universities under the Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) is helping.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
- Graduates from Pakistani universities enrolling in Australian courses now enjoy extended post-study work rights in critical skill shortage areas (engineering, IT, healthcare).
- The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) policy changes are a major attraction.
- Cost & Scholarships
- Although living costs are high in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, more Pakistani students are opting for cities like Adelaide, Perth, and regional Queensland for affordability.
- Scholarships like the Australia Awards and institution-specific bursaries are drawing applicants.
- Community Presence
- A large Pakistani diaspora in Australia provides a built-in support network for new arrivals, easing cultural transition and job search.
Year | Pakistani Students in Australia
2020 | 9,800
2021 | 10,200
2022 | 11,500
2023 | 12,300
2024 | 11,800 (slight dip due to policy tightening)
2025* | 13,600 (projected)
Top 5 Countries for Pakistani Students in 2025 (Projected)
| Rank | Country | % Share of Total Outbound Students from Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UK | 33% |
| 2 | Australia | 27% |
| 3 | Canada | 22% |
| 4 | USA | 10% |
| 5 | Germany | 5% |
Factors Influencing Decision-Making in 2025
- Visa duration: Australia offers 2–6 years depending on qualification & location.
- Dependants policy: Allows dependants to work full-time in most cases, an attractive benefit for married students.
- Pathways to PR: Stronger prospects in skilled migration categories, especially for STEM graduates.
Comparison: Australia vs UK for Pakistani Students (2025)
| Factor | Australia | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work | 2–6 years | 2 years |
| Dependant Work | Yes (most cases) | Limited (policy tightened 2024) |
| PR Pathway | Strong (skills-based) | Weak |
| Tuition Fees | AUD 22k–38k/year | GBP 15k–28k/year |
| Climate | Warmer, more familiar | Colder, variable |
Conclusion
In 2025, Australia has solidified its position as a top destination for Pakistani students due to post-study work rights, PR prospects, and a large South Asian community. While the UK still holds the top spot in numbers, Australia’s rapid climb in preference rankings suggests that it may overtake in the coming years, especially if visa processing continues to improve.
