Bhutan to Australia: The Student Exodus Changing a Nation

In recent years, Bhutan has witnessed an unprecedented wave of youth migration, with thousands of students leaving the country in search of better educational and economic opportunities abroad. While Bhutan is globally known for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, economic realities are reshaping the aspirations of its younger generation.

Australia, in particular, has emerged as the top destination for Bhutanese students, offering them quality education, work opportunities, and a pathway to permanent residency. The numbers are staggering—over 12,000 Bhutanese students migrated to Australia in just 11 months leading up to May 2023, marking a historic shift in Bhutan’s demographics.

With a youth unemployment rate exceeding 28%, the job market in Bhutan has become increasingly challenging, leaving many young graduates with limited career prospects. As a result, thousands are now opting for vocational training, university degrees, and skilled migration programs in Australia—a trend that could reshape Bhutan’s workforce in the coming years.

The Rising Wave of Bhutanese Student Migration

Unprecedented Growth in Numbers

In 2017, only a few hundred Bhutanese students applied for Australian visas.

By 2022, after Australia reopened its borders post-pandemic, the number of student visa applications from Bhutan increased fivefold.

In the first 11 months of 2023, more than 12,000 Bhutanese students relocated to Australia—equivalent to 1.5% of Bhutan’s total population of 787,000.

This migration wave is fueled by economic stagnation, limited job creation, and rising living costs in Bhutan, coupled with the appeal of Australia's education system and labor market.

Top Australian Cities for Bhutanese Students

Most Bhutanese students are settling in:

Perth, Western Australia – Due to affordable living costs and a growing Bhutanese community.

Melbourne, Victoria – A hub for international students, known for its prestigious universities.

Sydney, New South Wales – Popular for job opportunities and diverse industries.

Brisbane, Queensland – Offering high employment rates in hospitality and tourism sectors.

Fields of Study

Bhutanese students are primarily enrolling in vocational and higher education courses that offer work opportunities and PR pathways, including:

Childcare and Aged Care (due to Australia’s increasing demand for care workers)

Hospitality and Culinary Arts (boosted by Australia’s tourism industry)

Accounting and Business Management

Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Engineering and Construction Trades

Why Bhutanese Students Prefer Australia Over Other Countries

While Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom are also popular destinations for international students, Bhutanese students are increasingly favoring Australia. Here’s why:

1. Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Compared to the US and UK, where tuition fees can exceed $40,000 per year, Australian universities offer more affordable education, with many vocational courses costing as little as A$10,000 - A$15,000 per year.

Cost of living in cities like Perth and Adelaide is much lower than in cities like London or New York, making Australia a more budget-friendly option.

2. Flexible Student and Work Visa Policies

Unlike Canada and the UK, where student work hours are restricted, Australia allows international students’ dependents to work full-time.

Post-Study Work Visa (subclass 485) enables graduates to stay and work in Australia for 2-4 years, depending on their field of study.

3. Strong Job Market and PR Pathway

Australia is currently experiencing labor shortages in key industries, including healthcare, IT, and construction. This makes it easier for international students to find part-time jobs while studying and transition into full-time employment.

Many Bhutanese students opt for regional areas, where they receive additional points for permanent residency applications.

Economic Challenges Pushing Bhutan’s Youth Abroad

Despite its reputation as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan is facing significant economic and social challenges:

High Unemployment and Limited Career Growth

The youth unemployment rate in Bhutan has surpassed 28%, with university graduates struggling to find jobs in a small, government-dominated economy.

The private sector remains underdeveloped, offering limited high-paying jobs, which forces young Bhutanese to look for opportunities abroad.

Shrinking Foreign Reserves and Economic Slowdown

Bhutan’s economy heavily relies on hydropower exports and tourism, but both sectors were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

High tourist taxes (a $200 per day Sustainable Development Fee) have slowed the recovery of Bhutan’s tourism industry, reducing job opportunities.

Foreign reserves have declined significantly, leading to import restrictions and currency instability.

A New Industry: Bhutanese Student Consultancy Boom

With thousands of students looking to migrate, a new industry has emerged—Bhutanese-owned education consultancies helping students navigate visa processes, course selection, and job placements in Australia.

One such example is Tashi Kipchu, a 25-year-old education consultant who migrated to Australia in 2022. Originally trained as a chemical engineer, he started a consultancy firm in Perth, which now employs 40-50 people in Bhutan.

"I came to Australia to study, but somehow this country gave me an opportunity."

What This Migration Trend Means for Bhutan’s Future

Brain Drain or Economic Opportunity?

While some view this mass migration as a "brain drain" crisis, others see it as a potential economic opportunity.

Positive Impacts:

✅ Bhutanese expatriates in Australia send remittances back home, which can help boost Bhutan’s economy.

✅ Many return with global skills and experience, contributing to Bhutan’s workforce.

✅ The growth of Bhutanese businesses in Australia strengthens economic ties between the two countries.

Negative Impacts:

❌ Bhutan could face a shortage of skilled professionals, especially in key sectors like healthcare and engineering.

❌ With a declining youth population, Bhutan’s workforce may shrink, impacting long-term economic sustainability.

❌ Families are being separated, leading to social and emotional challenges.

The Future of Bhutanese Migration to Australia

With Australia’s education sector rebounding post-pandemic and Bhutan’s job market still struggling, this migration trend is expected to continue for years.

Tandin Dorji, managing director of Kingston International College, where over 150 Bhutanese students are currently enrolled, explains:

"It has become a cultural trend... If Bhutanese see someone being really successful, that’s where they would go."

For many Bhutanese students, Australia represents more than just education—it is a gateway to financial security, career growth, and a better future.