Australia prides itself on its diversity. Students from 193 countries join a local community comprising the world’s oldest continuous cultures and Australians who identify with more than 270 ancestries.
Let’s take a deeper look at Australia’s unique cultural makeup and how tolerance and inclusion are part of our national values (it’s even protected by law!).
Australia’s diversity
Here are some interesting facts about Australia’s multiculturalism:
- Around 4% of the total Australian population is Indigenous. This means that 96% of Australians have an immigrant heritage (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
- Over 31% of Australia’s current population were born overseas.
- Around half of our total population has at least one parent who was born overseas, while 20% of people in our community speak a language other than English when at home.
- Linguistic diversity is also strong with over 20% of Australians who speak a language other than English at home.
This means that when you study in Australia, you’ll become a part of this very diverse culture. Whether you move to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or to a smaller student city, you’re likely to meet people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, the First Nations peoples of this land, make up approximately 3.9% of the total Australian population, based on the 2021 Census.
Recognising and respecting Indigenous heritage is part of everyday life in Australia, from education and public events to national reconciliation efforts and community engagement.
Multicultural policy and national identity
Since 1973, government multicultural policy has been part of our national identity. The Australian Government continues to run national initiatives that celebrate our cultural diversity.
In day-to-day life, policies and programs for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Australia. These encourage social inclusion and foster respect at the national and local level.
Celebrating harmony: Harmony Week
In Australia, Harmony Week is celebrated every March. It is an Australian Government-led celebration of our richly diverse Australian society.
Harmony Week is unique to Australia and includes the celebration of Harmony Day, which aligns with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD).
Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held across Australia in schools, community groups, churches, businesses, and federal, state and local government agencies.
Why this matters to international students
When you arrive in Australia, you’re stepping into a society that values diversity. The mix of cultural backgrounds means you’ll likely meet others who share your language, traditions, festivals and food, as well as people from around the world.
By interacting with people from many backgrounds, you can broaden your worldview, develop intercultural skills, and enrich your study journey.
Study in Australia
Your time in Australia offers much more than academic growth. It’s an opportunity to be part of a globally connected, welcoming society and to explore new perspectives.
To explore available programs and find the best fit for your academic goals, visit the Study Australia Course Search.