G’day opportunity: Why so many people are moving to Australia

From world-famous beaches to stunning coral reefs, hopping wildlife to bbq-loving locals, it’s no wonder that Australia claims two top ten spots in the Global Liveability Index. 

Whether you’re looking for bustling cities or quiet countryside, Australia is full of potential, with education, career opportunities and a sense of community being the biggest draws.  

But how did people choose their new life down under? We talked to over 3000 PTE test takers who’ve migrated to Australia to find out why they made the move and what they love about their new home.  

High-quality education

According to our survey, over 64% identify Australia’s high-quality education system as a major pull. Australia takes in a huge number of international students, with over 810,000 enrolled to study in Australia from 2023.  

A warm welcome and support for their existing international student population only encourages more to apply, creating a strong international community.  

Those looking to study in Australia have a choice of more than 40 universities offering huge choices in academic programs.  

On a student visa, you have the option to work part-time during your studies, allowing international students to support themselves while learning, and making Australia an affordable option for those looking to study in an English-speaking country.  

Career opportunities

One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Australia is the number of career opportunities. Top sectors shaping the economy and providing great employment opportunities include mining (14.3%), health and education (12.8%), and finance (7.4%).  

Our PTE test takers told us they were able to find well-paid work, with some even going on to start businesses and buy a home down under. More than nine in ten (91%) are working full-time, with 72% employed in skilled professions with a median income of $93k.  

Over 87% said they were looking to progress their careers in Australia, suggesting they’re feeling fulfilled in their work and optimistic about their long-term career options in the country. PTE Academic is recognized by a wide range of professional bodies for their skills assessments, including engineering, nursing and midwifery and accounting to name a few. This opens many doors for pursuing a career in Australia.   

Sense of community

A warm welcome and sense of community are what makes a new place become home. Beyond education and career opportunities, social integration was one of the main advantages of migrating to Australia.  

We found that 84% of people that had moved to Australia say they’ve successfully built community connections, with 89% having experienced acts of kindness from others. Movers also report wanting to contribute to their new communities, with more than 1 in 10 taking part in volunteer activities.  

This two-way integration makes Australia an attractive place to put down roots and become a part of the country’s diverse social fabric.

A long-term move

So many respondents shared their positive experiences of moving to Australia, with 8 in 10 saying Australia met or exceeded their expectations and 9 in 10 encouraging others to make the move and join them.  

Many see it as a long-term move with 70% wanting to stay and gain permanent residency.   

From education and employment opportunities to vibrant international communities, it’s easy to see why so many English-speakers are saying “G’day” to a new chapter in Australia.  

Making it happen with PTE

It takes ambition and commitment to start a new life abroad — along with the right support.  

Our survey found that 66% of migrants felt their success at work in Australia was down to their English language skills.  

PTE Academic is recognised by the Australian government for all visa categories and is accepted by 100% of universities in Australia.

Designed to be faster, fairer, and simpler, 87% prefer PTE over similar tests. So, if the Great Australian Dream sounds like the right fit for you, take the first step with PTE.