A recent report by KPMG Australia provides a valuable guide for selecting qualifications that align with Australia’s current and future workforce needs. This report can be a game chager for international students when choosing a course of study or planning a long-term future in Australia. 

The Australian labour market has expanded by nearly 23% over the last decade, with more than 2.6 million additional jobs created. Of this, over 1 million new roles were concentrated in just 10 occupational categories—several of which are directly aligned with popular courses offered to international students.

Here are the top-growing job areas and their relevance to study pathways:

  1. Aged Care and Disability Workers (+98%)
     Relevant courses: Certificate III and IV in Individual Support, Diploma of Community Services
    Pathway potential: Strong demand due to Australia’s ageing population and long-term care needs.
  2. Technology and IT Professionals (+55%)
     Relevant courses: Bachelor of Information Technology, Diploma in Software Development, Cyber Security
    Pathway potential: Growing digital economy and AI integration creating high demand for skilled workers.
  3. Early Childhood and Child Care (+52.5%)
     Relevant courses: Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, Diploma of Early Childhood Education
    Pathway potential: Critical skills list, regional placement incentives, PR opportunities.
  4. Marketing, Advertising and PR (+40.9%)
     Relevant courses: Bachelor of Marketing, Diploma of Social Media Marketing
    Pathway potential: Increasing demand for digital-savvy communicators due to the rise of online business.
  5. Nurses and Midwives (+29%)
     Relevant courses: Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma of Nursing
    Pathway potential: High PR prospects and sponsorship opportunities across states.
  6. Allied Health Workers (+83.9%)
     Relevant courses: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology
    Pathway potential: Regional workforce shortages creating demand in health-related fields.
  7. Human Resources Professionals (+41.2%)
     Relevant courses: Bachelor of Business (HR), Diploma in Human Resources Management
    Pathway potential: Evolving corporate structures and employee wellbeing focus.
  8. Chefs, Cooks and Kitchen Hands (+26.1%)
     Relevant courses: Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma of Hospitality Management
    Pathway potential: Strong demand in hospitality, especially in regional areas.
  9. Teachers (+23.6%)
     Relevant courses: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary)
    Pathway potential: Ongoing demand in regional and Indigenous education sectors.
  10. Logistics and Delivery (+24.9%)
     Relevant courses: Logistics and supply chain qualifications, though less common among international cohorts.

Declining Occupations – Pathways to Reconsider

Some traditional occupations have seen significant declines due to automation, technology, and changing business models. These include:

  • Executive Assistants (-21.6%)
  • Travel Agents (-34.8%)
  • Print Manufacturing Workers (-23.0%)
  • Telco Repair & Installation Workers (-12.4%)
  • Farmers (-13.3%)

This report underscores the need for future-focused education planning. With Australia’s migration policies increasingly linked to skills shortages and employment outcomes, students must align their study choices with in-demand careers. Education providers, agents, and migration professionals should use this data to guide students toward sustainable pathways and build course portfolios that match market needs.

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