SYDNEY/KATHMANDU- The post-pandemic reopening of Australia's borders has led to a significant increase in young people leaving Bhutan in search of better opportunities abroad.

More than 12,000 students migrated to Australia in just 11 months until May, accounting for about 1.5% of Bhutan's population. This surge in student migration comes amid growing economic discontent in the Himalayan kingdom, where the youth unemployment rate is in the double digits.

Many of the recent migrants have chosen to make Perth, Western Australia, their new home, enrolling in various courses like childcare, hospitality, and accounting. Among them is Tashi Kipchu, a 25-year-old education consultant, who arrived in Australia last year with the hope of finding better opportunities.

He pursued a marketing degree at the University of Western Australia. Kipchu explained that after the impact of COVID-19, opportunities in Bhutan seemed scarce, leading many to seek brighter prospects abroad.

Until 2017, migration from Bhutan to Australia was minimal, with only a small humanitarian intake being the exception. However, since 2017, there has been a noticeable increase in student arrivals. This trend gained momentum when Australia reopened its borders in 2022, resulting in a significant surge in student visa applications from Bhutan, reaching five times the previous numbers in the fiscal year that ended in June.

As a consequence of this rapid influx of students, Australia now boasts one of the largest communities of Bhutanese expatriates outside of South Asia. The increase in student numbers within this relatively short period has contributed to the remarkable growth of the Bhutanese community in the country.

The recent surge in Bhutanese students coming to Australia has provided a much-needed boost to the country's education sector, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic and a decline in foreign students.

Although Bhutanese students make up only a small portion of Australia's vast international student population, their presence has been valuable in helping the A$40 billion education industry recover.

The pandemic has slowed the return of students from crucial markets like China, prompting Australian universities to focus on diversifying their student body. The government has stressed the need to avoid excessive reliance on specific countries like China, India, and Nepal.

By aiming for a more diverse student population, Australia seeks to build a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable international education sector.

Australia's allure for Bhutanese students has been strengthened by its affordable tuition fees and student-friendly visa policies that permit dependents to work unrestricted hours.

The appeal is evident as six out of ten current cabinet ministers in Bhutan hold qualifications from Australian universities or institutes. Bhutan, renowned for its Gross National Happiness index, faces economic challenges due to its reliance on hydropower and tourism, exacerbated by high energy prices and public sector reforms leading to a mass exodus of professionals.

With the recovery of the tourism industry not meeting expectations, and youth unemployment at 28%, many young Bhutanese have turned to Australia, which has eased visa restrictions amid a tight labor market.

For instance, Tashi Kipchu, a chemical engineer from Bhutan, saw an opportunity in Australia and established an education consultancy to assist Bhutanese students. The trend of moving to Australia is predicted to persist due to the country's job opportunities and flexible work options for students.

The appeal of Australian education has led to a significant rise in the number of Bhutanese students at Kingston International College, with around 150 students currently receiving training, compared to 15-20 before the pandemic. This cultural trend demonstrates that success stories of Bhutanese students who thrive in Australia are inspiring others to follow suit.