Indian students constitute the second highest international student population in Australia, after China. Australia is catching up with US in terms of attracting Indian students. There are 62,000 Indian students currently enrolled in institutions in Australia compared to 80,000 in the US.

Last year 32,000 visas were issued to Indian students, showing the largest growth percentage of 54 per cent from 2006, said Director IDP India, Henry A S Ledlie at a press meet on Friday.

While there are 80,000 Chinese students enrolled in universities in Australia, most of whom come to study English, Indian students opt for IT, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, Telecommunication engineering along with MBA, biotechnology, hospitality and Tourism, said Mr Ledlie.