Pearson study reveals; Indian Migrants find Australia appealing for higher education and Work Opportunities

New Delhi : New research from Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, finds that migrants are driving the Australian economy, earning well above the median salary just a few months after settlement and filling roles in critical sectors. The research also found that this strong contribution is likely fueled by Australia’s reputation for high-quality education, which is the primary motivator for 72% of Indian students choosing Australia for migration.

The Pearson Migrant and Student Study (PMASS) analyzed over 3000 Australian migrants who have taken Pearson’s Test of English Academic (PTE), a globally recognized English test used in Australia for work and study visas and professional registration, in order to understand their economic, social and cultural contributions and role in shaping Australians’ shared understanding of the ‘Great Australian Dream.’

Australia is facing a number of challenges including a skills shortage, made worse by issues like an aging population and declining productivity growth. The Government’s Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, reveals a number of crucial needs, including highly skilled migrants and lower-skilled workers needed for critical sectors such as care industries.

In line with the Migration Strategy, the PMASS found migrants who had taken the PTE were comparable to the Government’s CSAM test respondents, and more likely to be employed in crucial fields. Over double the number of these test-takers were in aged and disabled care compared to the general population (3.6% vs 1.4%), four times more were registered nurses (8.6% vs 2.1%), and seven times more were in software and applications programmers (6.3% vs 0.9%).

The survey also found that PTE (Pearson Test of English) is popular among Indian test-takers looking to pursue study or work opportunities in Australia. PTE’s popularity is rooted back to the success stories of Indians who find Australia as a quality destination with a safe and supportive environment for living, higher education, and employment opportunities. The survey also shed light on the key drivers that make India a leading source country for Australian migrants.

· Pursuing high-quality education remains the primary motivator for Indian students choosing Australia, with 72% citing this as their reason.

· Australia’s reputation as a safe and welcoming environment (58%) is another significant pull factor.

· Furthermore, the promising employment prospects available post-graduation (43%) further contribute to the appeal of Australia as a desirable destination for Indian migrants.

A resounding 90% of Indian respondents ranked PTE as its best experience for test taking as compared to other tests of English. This strong preference likely stems from PTE’s flexible testing format, rapid results turnaround time, and a widespread network of test centers across India.

The study shows migrants’ contribution to the economy also grows over time, with PTE test takers earning a median $93K per annum six months post settlement, well above the national median income of $73K. This has a flow-on effect to the broader economy, as recent OECD reports suggest areas with higher inflows of migrants gain an economic benefit of $1.5K per person and see a rise in productivity levels.

Sasha Hampson, VP, PTE Global Stakeholder Relations at Pearson shared: “At a time when native skills are declining, skilled migrants and international students, who themselves will likely become skilled workers, are a beacon of hope for Australia’s economy and way of life.”

Additional findings from the research also highlights the reciprocal benefit to migration – the value that migrants see in Australia – and concurrently, the value migrants add to the Australian economy and social fabric:

● Australia is a nation of open arms: 91% of PTE test takers feel welcome in Australia (at least those who have completed PTE Academic over the past seven years).

● Migrants value their life in Australia: 8 out of 10 (84%) say Australia has met or exceeded their expectations, and female migrants are significantly more likely to value the independence they get from living in Australia (11% vs 5% of men) .

● Migrants are hopeful for their future in Australia: Migrants’ goals are achievable for study visa holders because of quality education facilities (21%), good job opportunities (17%), employment/career progression (16%), education (10%) and other factors

● Learning English is essential to positive migrant experiences: 97% of PTE test takers agree that learning English is important as part of their life in Australia, with over two thirds agreeing it’s important because it helped them understand Australian rules and regulations (67%), helped them get work (66%) and increased ties to the wider community (63%), among other reasons.

These findings echo Pearson’s white paper, ‘Australian Dreams,’ which brings attention to how effective AI-led language testing in visa tests is essential to both legitimate migration and subsequently, migrants’ integration and positive experiences in Australia.

Sasha Hampson explained: “Skilled workers and international students are essential to Australia’s economy, education system and way of life. This research evidences the positive contributions they provide to Australia and to our collective understanding of the ‘Australian Dream’.”

“Shared language plays a key role in supporting the expression of these stories and dreams. As Australia continues to depend on migration, it’s vital that trusted, AI-led English visa tests are in place to ensure future migrants – legitimate and skilled – can sustain the things we as Australians hold dear – diversity, inclusion, opportunity, a skilled, resourced workforce, and strong economy.”