Australia continues to be a sought-after study destination for Indian students. While national data shows India surpassing China in student visa approvals India TodayThe Times of India, the story becomes even more insightful when we look at which Indian states are sending the most students to Australia.
State-Wise Outbound Student Trends (2024–2025)
Though Australia doesn’t publicly release state-wise data, Indian educational migration patterns offer a strong clue:
- Punjab leads with approximately 160,000 students abroad (~12% of total outbound students), or 533 per 100,000 population — the highest in India.
- Andhra Pradesh follows close in absolute numbers (also ~160,000), but with a lower per-capita rate (~296 per 100k).
- Next come Maharashtra (~146,000 outward students; 117/100k), Gujarat (~106,000; 156/100k), and Tamil Nadu (~93,000; 119/100k) (thenewsdrill.com).
Interpretation: On a per-capita basis, states like Punjab and Gujarat stand out. That suggests higher migration intensity from these areas—driven possibly by socio-economic factors, culture of migration, and robust counseling networks.
What It Means for Australia
Though not all outbound students go to Australia, it remains a top destination—especially as Indian student visa grants surged in early 2025, topping those for China with over 2,734 visas issued in February alone India TodayThe Times of India.
That surge likely represents disproportionately high representation from high-outbound regions like Punjab and Gujarat.
What This Means for Students & Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Students from Punjab & Gujarat | You represent a strong cohort in Australian student migration—this could mean increased awareness from universities. It’s essential to prepare strong GTE statements and financial documentation to avoid bias. |
| Australian Institutions | Expect strong interest from these regions—tailoring outreach to highlight integrity and career alignment can help mitigate concerns arising from past visa misuse. |
| Education Counselors | Students from high-outbound states need support in personalizing their applications—emphasize academic fit, finances, and future goals beyond generic migration intent. |
Final Thoughts
- Punjab leads the per-capita outbound push, with Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu also playing big roles.
- India now leads in student visa grants to Australia, highlighting increasing preference despite tightening global norms India TodayBusiness Standard.
- Real value for students lies in preparation, authenticity, and strategic positioning—match your state’s migration trends with disciplined, transparent applications.
