Moving from India to Australia

Both India and Australia are cricket-loving nations - maybe that’s why so many Indian people call Australia home. In fact, over 660,000 India-born people now live in Australia, making up 2.6% of Australia’s population.¹

Whether you’re coming to Australia to work, study or start a business, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you. But while your journey is sure to be rewarding, there’s still plenty to think about before you move. Here are some ideas, tips and resources to help get you off to a great start.

For students

Around one in five international students in Australia are from India.² The Australian government’s Study Australia website is packed with useful information, from study options to living costs.

Day-to-day living in Australia can be more expensive than in India. To help make sure you’re prepared, the Australian government has set minimum financial requirements you’ll need to meet before getting a student visa. Use our handy foreign exchange calculator to find out how much you’ll need in rupees at today’s exchange rates.

In Australia, it’s very common for students to move away from their families into their own flat or share a house with friends. There are plenty of student accommodation options available, which you can find on university and rental websites. 

For job-seekers

Australia has a thriving economy that offers a wide range of opportunities for skilled Indian migrants and entrepreneurs. Depending on the type of visa you get, there may be some limits on the kind of work you can do. You can find detailed information about specific visa types at the Department of Home Affairs website.

If you’re looking for work, you can get a head start by researching the job market online before you leave. The Australian government JobSearch website is a great place to start, along with our short guide to finding a job in Australia.

For the self-employed

If you’re planning to set up your own company in Australia, there are a few rules and regulations you’ll need to know ― so first, take a look at the Australian government’s business website.

With trade relations strengthening between Australia and India, you can find plenty of organisations dedicated to promoting business between your new country and your homeland. The Australia–India Business Council (AIBC) nurtures businesses in both countries, providing networking events and opportunities for you to build your business locally and overseas.

Connecting with the community

A great way to make new friends and learn from the experiences of other Indian immigrants is to join an Indian community organisation in your local area. Visit the Indian High Commission website for a list of organisations in each state, along with a guide to Indian language newspapers, TV, radio and even schools.

We’re here to help

Fortunately, our International Premier and Retail Banking team are here for guidance. You can also open an Australian bank account online up to 14 days before you arrive in Australia.