Indian students prefer IT, AI, and Data Science courses in Australia

At the Study Australia Showcase organised by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Science emerged as the most sought-after courses among students from various colleges in Chennai. Approximately 20 Australian universities participated in the event.

Prashant Anand, Senior In Country Representative, South Asia at University of Canberra, noted that students were particularly interested in courses related to IT, Design, and Pharmacy. Anamika Panwar, Recruitment Officer (South Asia) at Western Sydney University, mentioned a strong curiosity in Neuromorphic Engineering, along with inquiries about tech courses and nursing.

Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), noted a discernible trend among Indian students favouring courses in management, IT, engineering, and health when studying in Australia. Additionally, there is a growing interest in society, culture, humanities, and courses that stimulate creativity and critical thinking.

Between January and April 2023, Australia recorded an influx of 5,90,566 international students, with India contributing 95,791 to this figure. Notably, the number of Indian students in Australia saw a significant increase, surging from 75,109 in 2022 to 95,791 in the corresponding period of 2023.

From July 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, the Department of Home Affairs issued approximately 3,82,000 student visas, signifying a substantial 41.3 per cent surge in comparison to the same timeframe in 2019-20. Particularly, Indian nationals received the highest number of student visas, surpassing all other nationalities, with over 71,100 visas granted during this period.