Lexi Webster
Australia has historically experienced a net gain in its population due to more people immigrating than emigrating. However, this trend temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures and travel restrictions. In recent years, factors such as the high cost of living and changes in visa dynamics have influenced migration patterns. While population growth is easing, the complex interplay of various factors makes it challenging to determine the exact number of people who have left Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people who left Australia in the December quarter of 2024 | 70,000 |
| Population growth | Easing |
| Net overseas migration in the year ending 30 June 2024 | 446,000 people |
| Net overseas migration in the previous year | 536,000 people |
| Number of Australian citizens who moved overseas in the year ending 30 June 2020 | 61,100 |
| Number of Australian citizens who returned to Australia after living overseas in the year ending 30 June 2020 | 99,200 |
| Number of New Zealand citizens who moved to Australia to live in the year ending 30 June 2020 | 22,400 |
| Number of New Zealand citizens who left Australia to live overseas in the year ending 30 June 2020 | 21,200 |
| Number of permanent visa holders who left Australia in 2022-23 | 22,100 |
| Number of Chinese-born migrants who left Australia in the year ending 30 June 2020 | 78,900 |
| Number of Indian-born migrants who left Australia in 2019-20 | Stable |
| Number of people who left NSW in the final three months of 2024 | 31,000 |
| Number of people who left Victoria in the final three months of 2024 | 21,000 |
| Number of people who left Queensland and moved to another state in the final three months of 2024 | 7,600 |
| Number of people who left Western Australia and moved to another state in the final three months of 2024 | 2,943 |
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What You'll Learn
The number of people leaving Australia is at its highest since the pandemic
Australia has long been a popular destination for immigrants, with more people historically migrating to the country than leaving it each year. However, this trend temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to border closures and travel restrictions. Now, in 2025, the number of people leaving Australia has reached its highest level since the pandemic, signalling a slowdown in the country's population growth.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 70,000 people left the country in the December quarter of 2024, the highest number of departures since the pandemic began. This continues a trend that began in 2023-24, when Australia experienced its first annual decrease in net overseas migration since border restrictions were lifted in 2021. While arrivals have decreased, departures have increased, particularly among temporary visa holders.
Several factors contribute to the rising number of people leaving Australia. One notable factor is the high cost of living, which has prompted some immigrants to return to their home countries or move elsewhere in search of a better quality of life. International student numbers have also started to stabilise, with some students completing their studies and returning home, particularly from countries like China. Additionally, there is a dynamic in the visa system that prevents the number of departures from falling even faster.
The impact of these departures is felt across Australia's states and territories. While all states and territories experienced population growth, the country's most populous states, such as New South Wales and Victoria, lost more residents to other states than they gained. Queensland and Western Australia, on the other hand, recorded net increases in population due to interstate migration, attributed to factors like better housing affordability and stronger economies.
As Australia navigates the post-pandemic era, the dynamics of its migration patterns continue to evolve. The country faces new challenges in its immigration system, including a growing number of people on bridging visas and skilled graduates seeking longer stays. Despite the current high number of departures, Australia's historical appeal as an immigration destination suggests that it will remain a sought-after destination for migrants worldwide.
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High living costs are causing people to leave
Australia has historically experienced more immigration than emigration, resulting in a net population gain. However, recent trends indicate an increase in people leaving the country, with population growth slowing. In the 2023-24 financial year, Australia saw its first annual decrease in net overseas migration since border restrictions were lifted after the COVID-19 pandemic.
High living costs are cited as a significant factor contributing to this trend of people leaving Australia. Immigrants, in particular, are deciding to return to their home countries due to rising prices for essentials such as food, energy, and housing. For example, Tiger Xiong, an international student from China, shared her struggles with the high cost of rent, transport, and food in Melbourne. She chose to leave Australia for Bali, prioritizing a better work-life balance and a less materialistic lifestyle.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions also played a role in the increase in people leaving Australia. During the pandemic, there was a significant drop in the number of temporary migrants, particularly international students. As travel restrictions eased, some migrants were able to enter Australia, but many are now leaving as their visas near expiration. This trend is reflected in the increase in departures of temporary student visa holders, which rose by 97% from 2022 to 2023.
Moreover, the high cost of living in Australia is not limited to a specific city or state. All states and territories experienced population growth, with Western Australia recording the highest leap in annual population growth at 2.4%. However, the country's most populous states, such as New South Wales and Victoria, lost more residents to other states than they gained. Demographer Mark McCrindle attributed this to better housing affordability and stronger economies in states like Queensland and Western Australia.
While the high cost of living is a significant factor, it is not the only reason for people leaving Australia. Other factors, such as the desire for a different lifestyle or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, also play a role in emigration decisions. Additionally, it is important to consider that the number of people leaving may be offset by those returning to Australia or immigrating from other countries. Despite the recent increase in departures, Australia continues to be a desirable destination for immigrants, contributing to its population growth over time.
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International student numbers are stabilising
Australia has historically experienced a net gain in population through international migration, with more people migrating to the country than leaving each year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and related border closures disrupted this trend between 2020 and 2022. During this period, international student arrivals were significantly impacted, with many students continuing their studies remotely from their home countries.
Following the reopening of Australian borders in February 2022, the country experienced a period of record net overseas migration as individuals sought to enter Australia after nearly two years of border restrictions. This trend began to reverse in the 2023-24 financial year, with a decrease in migrant arrivals, particularly temporary visa holders, and an increase in departures.
Among those departing Australia, there has been a notable increase in international students completing their studies and returning to their home countries. This trend is reflected in the data, with a 97% increase in migrant departures on temporary student visas from 2022 to 2023. Despite this, international student enrolments in Australia have shown resilience. In the year-to-date May 2025, there were 816,587 international student enrolments, representing a 1% increase from 2024 and an 18% increase compared to 2019.
While the number of international students in Australia has been a subject of political debate, the federal government has recently abandoned its plan to cap foreign student entries, opting instead to increase places by 25,000 for the upcoming year. This decision has been welcomed by universities and higher education policymakers, who have advocated for stability and certainty in the international student market.
In summary, while Australia is experiencing an overall slowdown in population growth due to increasing departures and decreasing arrivals, international student numbers are showing signs of stabilisation. This stabilisation comes after years of concern over surging arrivals, and it remains to be seen whether the recent government decision to increase foreign student places will have a significant impact on these numbers in the future.
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Interstate migration trends
Australia has historically experienced more immigration than emigration, resulting in a net population gain. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and related border closures disrupted this trend between 2020 and 2022, causing a decline in migrant arrivals, particularly among temporary visa holders.
During the pandemic, Australia's most populous states, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, lost more residents to other states than they gained. In the last quarter of 2024, nearly 31,000 people left NSW, and over 21,000 departed Victoria. Queensland and Western Australia were the only states to record an increase in population from interstate migration, with net gains of 7,600 and 2,943, respectively. Demographers attribute this shift to better housing affordability and stronger economies in these states.
Several factors contribute to the interstate migration trends within Australia. Firstly, the high cost of living in some states, particularly regarding housing, food, and transport, has driven people to relocate to more affordable regions. Additionally, the availability of job opportunities and the strength of local economies play a role in attracting residents. For example, Queensland and Western Australia have experienced relative economic strength in recent years, making them more appealing destinations.
Interstate migration patterns also reflect the preferences and priorities of different demographic groups. For instance, young people may be drawn to areas with a slower pace of life and a less materialistic culture, as seen in the growing popularity of Bali among Australian migrants. Furthermore, international students, a significant contributor to migration numbers, can influence interstate migration dynamics based on their educational choices and post-graduation plans.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath significantly impacted migration patterns, the long-term trends in interstate migration within Australia suggest consistent preferences for certain destinations. Queensland, for instance, has consistently recorded net gains in population over the past decade, while New South Wales has experienced consecutive net losses. These trends reflect the multifaceted nature of migration decisions, influenced by economic factors, quality of life considerations, and policy changes.
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The impact of COVID-19 and travel restrictions
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted migration patterns in Australia, reversing the historical trend of more people migrating to the country than leaving it. Australian border closures and other pandemic-related factors caused a decline in migration to Australia in 2020 and 2021. During this period, the number of people departing Australia exceeded the number of arrivals, resulting in a net migration loss.
The Australian government imposed travel restrictions in March 2020, which were gradually lifted starting November 1, 2020. The borders were fully reopened to most travellers on February 21, 2022, marking the end of nearly two years of border restrictions. This reopening led to a record increase in net overseas migration as people took advantage of the lifted restrictions.
However, the pandemic's impact on migration patterns persisted even after the border reopening. There was a notable increase in the number of temporary migrant departures, particularly international students. In the 2023-24 financial year, departures on temporary student visas surged by 97% compared to the previous year, as many students completed their studies and returned to their home countries. This trend contributed to a decrease in net overseas migration during the same period.
The pandemic also altered the demographics of those departing Australia. Departures among those born in China and the UK increased, with Chinese departures driven by international students unable to return to Australia due to border closures. UK departures consisted mainly of Australian citizens born in the UK, holidaymakers, and temporary visa holders. Additionally, Indian-born migrant departures remained stable despite increases in international student arrivals.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions had a significant impact on migration patterns in Australia. The combination of border closures and health concerns altered the flow of people into and out of the country, leading to a temporary reversal in net migration trends and ongoing shifts in the composition of migrant populations.
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Frequently asked questions
The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions caused a significant decrease in migration to Australia, leading to a net loss in the country's population. In the 2019-20 financial year, there was a net loss of 15,600 Chinese-born migrants, and 61,100 Australian citizens moved overseas, a 28.8% decline from the previous year. In the December quarter of 2024, 70,000 people left the country, the highest departure figure since the pandemic.
The high cost of living in Australia has been a significant factor in people's decisions to leave the country. Factors such as the high cost of rent, transport, and food have made it challenging for some to build a comfortable life in the country. Additionally, the pandemic and related border closures and travel restrictions have played a role in people's decisions to leave, particularly for those on temporary visas, such as international students.
New South Wales and Victoria, the country's most populous states, have experienced population loss due to interstate migration. In the final three months of 2024, nearly 31,000 people left New South Wales, and more than 21,000 left Victoria. Other states that have experienced population loss include South Australia and Western Australia, which recorded an average annual net loss of 4,400 and 2,900 people, respectively, over ten years until June 2020.
