Top 10 Facts About How Many Indians Live in Australia [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the latest data on the Indian population in Australia for 2025–2026. This guide covers migration trends, visa pathways, and how the vibrant Indian community shapes modern Australia.

Slug: how-many-indians-live-in-australia

TL;DR
Over 976,000 people of Indian ancestry were living in Australia as of mid-2023, making India the second-largest source country for Australia’s overseas-born population. This number is projected to exceed 1 million by 2025, driven by high rates of skilled and student migration. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indians are now the fastest-growing large migrant community, significantly contributing to the nation’s cultural and economic fabric.

How Many People of Indian Origin Live in Australia?

Over 976,000 people of Indian ancestry were living in Australia in 2023. This figure, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), includes both Indian-born migrants and their Australian-born children. The community has seen explosive growth, nearly doubling in size over the past decade. This makes the Indian diaspora one of the most dynamic and influential groups in the country.

Key facts about the Indian population in Australia:

• Second-Largest Migrant Group: As of 2023, India overtook China to become the second-largest country of birth for Australian residents, behind only England.
• Rapid Growth: The population with Indian ancestry grew by over 47% between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses.
• Young Demographic: The Indian community has a significantly younger median age compared to the national average, contributing strongly to the workforce.
• High Concentration: Major cities like Melbourne and Sydney are home to the largest Indian communities, with significant populations also in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

What is the Historical Trend of Indian Migration to Australia?

Indian migration to Australia has evolved from early colonial ties to a modern skilled migration powerhouse. The first significant wave began in the 19th century with cameleers and labourers. However, the post-2000 period, especially after immigration policy reforms, has seen an unprecedented surge. The introduction of points-based skilled visas and stronger educational links transformed the migration pattern.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Migration Program statistics, India has consistently been the top source country for permanent skilled migrants for many years. Key drivers include:

• The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), for which Indians are highly successful applicants.
• The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and its predecessor, the 457 visa.
• The International Student Program, with Indian students being the second-largest cohort, many of whom transition to post-study work visas and permanent residency.

Which Australian Visas Are Most Popular Among Indian Migrants?

Skilled migration and student visas are the most popular pathways for Indians moving to Australia. The points-tested system rewards the high levels of education, professional experience, and English proficiency commonly found in the Indian applicant pool. Understanding these pathways is crucial for anyone considering the move.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa pages, the most common visas include:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): A permanent visa for invited workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): A provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.
• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): Allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after finishing their studies.
• Student visa (subclass 500): The foundational visa for undertaking full-time study in Australia.

To see how your profile stacks up for these points-tested visas, use a precise tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator. It accounts for the latest points rules and can give you a realistic score for your Expression of Interest.

Where Do Most Indians Settle in Australia?

Indians are predominantly settling in the major capital cities, with Melbourne and Sydney being the top destinations. These cities offer established community networks, employment opportunities in key industries like IT, healthcare, and engineering, and cultural familiarity. However, state nomination programs are encouraging more settlement in regional areas.

A breakdown of settlement patterns:

• Victoria (Melbourne): Often considered the hub, with suburbs like Point Cook, Truganina, and Craigieburn having very high concentrations.
• New South Wales (Sydney): Key areas include Parramatta, Blacktown, and The Hills Shire.
• Western Australia (Perth): Has a long-standing Indian community and strong demand in the mining and resources sectors.
• Queensland (Brisbane) & South Australia (Adelaide): These states are actively promoting regional migration through their nomination programs to attract skilled Indians.

For those considering a state nomination, tools like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can analyse historical invitation data and state-specific criteria to help you identify your best pathway.

What is the Socio-Economic Impact of the Indian Community in Australia?

The Indian community makes a profound and positive contribution to Australia’s economy, culture, and society. They are highly educated, with labour force participation rates above the national average, and are strong contributors to business innovation and academic research. Culturally, they have enriched Australia with festivals, cuisine, and arts.

The impact is evident in several areas:

• Workforce: High representation in critical sectors facing skill shortages, including Information Technology, Accounting, Engineering, and Healthcare.
• Education: Indian students contribute significantly to the economy and university research output.
• Entrepreneurship: Indians have one of the highest rates of business ownership among migrant groups.
• Culture: Festivals like Diwali and Holi are now celebrated in cities nationwide, and Indian cuisine is a staple of the Australian food scene.

How Can Prospective Indian Migrants Navigate the Visa Process Successfully?

Success requires strategic planning, accurate documentation, and an understanding of the constantly evolving immigration landscape. The process is competitive, and small errors can lead to delays or refusals. A methodical approach is essential.

Actionable steps for a successful application:

1. Skills Assessment: Have your qualifications assessed by the relevant assessing authority (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering).
2. English Proficiency: Aim for a superior score (IELTS 8 or equivalent) to maximise your points. Our English Level Guide can help you understand the requirements and prepare effectively.
3. Submit an EOI: Lodge a compelling Expression of Interest in SkillSelect for subclasses 189, 190, or 491.
4. Gather Documentation: Meticulously prepare all required documents, including proof of work experience, qualifications, and English test results.
5. Seek Professional or AI Guidance: Given the complexity, using a registered migration agent or a specialised AI platform like NovenAI can be invaluable. NovenAI’s 24/7 AI mentor, built on a massive, updated knowledge base, can provide instant, accurate answers to complex questions, track your application progress, and alert you to policy changes—often at a fraction of the cost and wait-time of traditional consultation.

What Does the Future Look Like for Indian Migration to Australia?

All indicators point toward continued strong growth in the Indian population in Australia. The alignment of Australia’s economic needs with India’s skilled workforce, coupled with the new Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), will facilitate even greater mobility. The population is on track to surpass 1.4 million in the coming decades.

Future trends to watch:

• Deepening Ties: The AI-ECTA agreement simplifies qualifications recognition and creates new mobility pathways for professionals.
• Regional Focus: State governments will continue to use nomination programs to direct migrants to areas with specific skill shortages.
• Policy Evolution: Immigration settings are always subject to change. Staying informed through official channels and reliable, updated sources is critical.

The Indian community is not just growing in number but is fundamentally woven into the success story of modern Australia. From skilled professionals filling critical jobs to students enriching campuses and families building vibrant communities, their contribution is immense. If you’re inspired to be part of this next chapter, the journey begins with understanding your options and preparing a strong application.

Ready to see where you stand? Explore your potential visa pathways and get personalised, accurate guidance for your move to Australia. Start your free assessment with NovenAI today.