
The Indian community in Australia is the second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group in the country. In 2021, the number of people in Australia with Indian heritage was around 976,000, which is about 4% of Australia's total population. This number has been steadily increasing, with 31.2% of people born in India arriving between 2001 and 2010, 21% between 2011 and 2015, and 34.8% between 2016 and 2021. As of 2023, there are over 846,000 people born in India living in Australia. The Indian community in Australia is diverse, with people from various religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The Indian diaspora in Australia has had a significant cultural impact, with Indian films gaining popularity and an increase in the use of languages like Punjabi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Indian origin in Australia | 976,000 (2021 census) / 846,000 (2023) / 600,000+ (2021) |
| Percentage of Indian population in Australia | 4% (2021) |
| Indian-born population in Australia | Second largest migrant group (2023) / Third most common place of birth (2021) / Second largest cohort of international students (2024) |
| Growth rate | Doubled between 2011 and 2021 |
| Pathways for permanent residency | Skilled migration, sponsored employment, partner visas |
| Religious impact | Hinduism has grown |
| Linguistic impact | Use of Punjabi has increased by more than 80% since 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
- Indian diaspora in Australia is diverse, with people from various backgrounds
- Indian community in Australia is the second-largest overseas group
- Indians in Australia: the most common pathways for gaining permanent residency
- Indian films in Australia: contributing to a vibrant, multicultural environment
- Indian migration to Australia: the impact of the White Australia Policy

Indian diaspora in Australia is diverse, with people from various backgrounds
The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people from a variety of backgrounds. As of 2023, there are over 846,000 people born in India living in Australia, making Indians the second largest migrant group in the country. This number has been steadily increasing, with around 976,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia as of 2021, which is about 4% of the country's total population of 26 million. This makes the Indian community in Australia the second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group in the country.
The Indian diaspora in Australia consists of people from various religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The vibrant and diverse cultures of India are maintained and celebrated through a range of organisations, events, and festivals held throughout the country. These activities provide a support network for the Indian community in Australia. One of the most noticeable cultural impacts of the Indian diaspora in Australia is the increasing presence of Indian films in Australian cinemas, contributing to a more vibrant and multicultural society.
The Indian community in Australia is diverse in terms of socio-economic backgrounds as well. While the majority of Indian migrants to Australia are from middle or upper-class backgrounds, there is also a significant number of young professionals and workers who have migrated to Australia to pursue career opportunities. Many Indians with a background in software and programming have gained temporary work or skilled migration visas due to the high demand for their skills in Australia. Additionally, international students from India contribute significantly to the Indian community in Australia, with Indian students being the second-largest cohort of international students in the country in 2024.
The pathways to permanent Australian residency for Indians vary, with skilled migration, sponsored employment, and partner visas being the most common methods. The Australian government has also implemented initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem and provide support for two-way collaboration between the two countries, including funding for research and development in various sectors. The increasing migration of Indians to Australia has been facilitated by the strengthening of strategic and economic ties between the two countries, as well as initiatives like the memorandum of understanding signed in 2006 to encourage Indian students to take up student visas for vocational training in Australia.
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Indian community in Australia is the second-largest overseas group
The Indian community in Australia is the second-largest overseas group in the country, with around 976,000 people of Indian heritage as of the 2021 census. This number has been steadily increasing, with a 34.8% increase between 2016 and 2021, and it now represents about 4% of Australia's total population of about 26 million. The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people hailing from various religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds from different parts of India.
The growth of the Indian community in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including skilled migration, sponsored employment, and partner visas. Many Indians with expertise in software and programming have been able to secure temporary work or skilled migration visas due to the high demand for their skills in Australia. International students from India also contribute significantly to the community, with Indian nationals constituting the second-largest cohort of international students in 2024, at approximately 139,038 students.
The Australian government has implemented initiatives to strengthen ties and collaboration with India. For example, the University of Adelaide received $1.8 million in funding from the Australian government to lead a consortium focused on strengthening India's agriculture sector. The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund facilitates research on resilient crops, and the Australia-India Water Centre brings together universities from both countries to address sustainable water management.
The economic relationship between India and Australia is also significant. India is Australia's sixth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods and services valued at $48 billion (AUD) in 2022. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has eliminated tariffs on critical minerals needed for solar panels, electric cars, and other technologies, fostering increased trade and cooperation between the two countries.
In conclusion, the Indian community in Australia is a vibrant and growing presence, contributing to the country's cultural diversity and economic development. With strong migration trends, educational ties, and increasing trade relations, the Indian community in Australia is an integral part of the country's social fabric and continues to shape its future.
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Indians in Australia: the most common pathways for gaining permanent residency
The Indian community in Australia is one of the fastest-growing overseas groups in the country, with around 846,000 to 976,000 people of Indian origin residing in Australia as of 2021, constituting about 4% of the country's total population. The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people hailing from various parts of India and belonging to different religious, linguistic, and cultural groups.
Over the years, Australia has become an attractive destination for Indians seeking permanent residency due to its favourable economic conditions and the availability of job opportunities. Here are some of the most common pathways for Indians to gain permanent residency in Australia:
- Skilled Migration: Indians with in-demand skills, particularly in fields like software development and programming, medicine, engineering, and technical fields, can apply for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). These visas allow individuals to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. A minimum score of 65 points is required to qualify for these visas, and a higher score increases the chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
- Sponsored Employment: Another pathway to permanent residency is through sponsored employment. Indians can be sponsored by an employer or a family member living in a designated regional area in Australia. The Subclass 491 or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa allows skilled workers to reside and work in specific regional areas for up to five years. While this visa is temporary, it can serve as a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa after fulfilling certain eligibility requirements.
- Partner Visas: Indians who are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident can apply for a partner visa, which is another common pathway to gaining permanent residency in Australia.
- International Students: International students from India contribute significantly to the Indian community in Australia. Completing education in Australia can provide a pathway to permanent residency through post-study work visas and skilled migration options.
It is important to note that the Australian government provides various pathways for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency, and individuals should carefully review the eligibility requirements and choose the most appropriate visa option based on their specific circumstances.
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Indian films in Australia: contributing to a vibrant, multicultural environment
Australia is home to a large and vibrant Indian community, which is the country's second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group. In 2021, the number of people in Australia with Indian heritage was around 976,000, making up about 4% of Australia's total population of about 26 million. This number has been steadily increasing, with 31.2% of people born in India arriving in Australia between 2001 and 2010, 21% between 2011 and 2015, and 34.8% between 2016 and 2021. As of 2023, there are over 846,000 people born in India living in Australia.
The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people hailing from various parts of India and belonging to different religious, linguistic, and cultural groups. This diversity is reflected in the range of Indian films that have been shot in Australia and gained popularity in the country. Bollywood films, in particular, have found a new shooting destination in Australia, drawn by its striking diversity of vibrant cosmopolitan cities, wide-open countryside, and stunning natural terrain, including beaches, deserts, mountains, and coral reefs.
One of the first Bollywood films to be shot entirely in Australia was "Salaam Namaste," which inspired other filmmakers to follow suit. Since then, many other Bollywood films have featured Australia as a backdrop, including "Major Saab," whose song "Pyaar Kiya Toh Nibhana" was shot near the Milla Milla Falls in Queensland, and "Bade Ache Lagte Hai," which filmed scenes at the Sydney Cricket Grounds and featured popular attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach.
In addition to Bollywood films, Indian soaps have also chosen Australia as a shooting location. The popular Hindi soap "Bade Acche Lagte Hai" filmed its honeymoon scenes in Sydney, while other soaps like "Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki," "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," and "Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara" have also included Australia in their storylines.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) further contributes to the celebration of Indian cinema in Australia. The IFFM aims to honour the diversity, creativity, and cultural richness of Indian cinema while sharing its stories with audiences across Australia and the world. By showcasing a range of Indian films, from Bollywood blockbusters to regional and independent productions, the IFFM fosters meaningful dialogue between cultures and strengthens the ties between South Asian voices and the Australian cultural landscape.
Through their presence in Australia, Indian films not only entertain audiences but also contribute to a vibrant and multicultural environment. They showcase the beauty and diversity of Australia while also bringing the richness and creativity of Indian storytelling to local audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian culture.
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Indian migration to Australia: the impact of the White Australia Policy
The Indian community in Australia is the country's second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group. As of 2023, there were over 846,000 people born in India living in Australia, which is around 4% of Australia's population. This number has been constantly rising, with 31.2% of people born in India arriving between 2001 and 2010, 21% between 2011 and 2015, and 34.8% between 2016 and 2021.
The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people coming from various religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity is maintained through a range of organisations, events, and festivals that provide a support network for the community.
Indian migration to Australia has been impacted by the White Australia Policy, which was introduced at the turn of the 20th century. The policy significantly restricted Indian immigration, except for British colonials from India. The legislation was designed to limit non-British migration to Australia and prevent the "swarming" of "low-class Indians" into the country, reflecting the racist attitudes of the time.
After India gained independence from Britain in 1947, there was an increase in British citizens born in India migrating to Australia, alongside Anglo-Indians. Successive governments began to dismantle the White Australia Policy after World War II, with the Migration Act 1958 abolishing the dictation test, a device used to exclude unwanted immigrants by administering an impossible language test. In 1966, the Holt Liberal government modified the policy, allowing foreign non-whites to become permanent residents and citizens after five years and removing discriminatory provisions in family reunification policies.
Following these changes, a broader range of Indians began arriving in Australia, including professionals such as doctors, engineers, and those with technical and computer skills. Today, skilled migration, sponsored employment, and partner visas are the most common pathways for Indians to gain permanent Australian residency. Many Indians with software and programming backgrounds have also gained temporary work or skilled migration visas due to the demand for their skills in Australia. International students from India also contribute to the growing Indian community in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are over 846,000 people born in India living in Australia. This is around 4% of Australia's total population.
The number of people in Australia with Indian heritage has been steadily increasing. Between 2001 and 2010, 31.2% of people born in India living in Australia arrived in the country. Between 2011 and 2015, this number decreased slightly to 21.0%, and between 2016 and 2021, 34.8% arrived, bringing the total number to 600,000 in 2021 and 976,000 in 2023.
The Indian community in Australia is incredibly diverse, with people coming from various religious, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. The vibrant Indian culture is maintained through organisations, events, and festivals, which also provide a support network for the community.
The Indian community has contributed to a more vibrant and multicultural Australia, with Indian films taking up hundreds of cinema screens. Additionally, the number of people who use a language other than English at home has increased by nearly 800,000, with Punjabi seeing the largest increase of over 80% since 2016.
The most common pathways for Indians to gain permanent Australian residency are through skilled migration, sponsored employment, or partner visas. Many Indians with software and programming backgrounds enter through temporary work or skilled migration visas due to the high demand for their skills. International Indian students also contribute to the community, with India being the second-largest cohort of international students in 2024.
































