Australia: A global leader in future skills and education excellence

Australia is a global frontrunner in equipping students with the skills needed for the future of work, according to the latest QS World Future Skills Index 2025.  

This achievement highlights the strength of Australia’s higher education system and an ongoing commitment to innovation in emerging industries. 

Key highlights from the Skills Index 2025

The QS World Future Skills Index evaluates 81 countries across four areas. Here is how Australia performed on each:  

1. Future of Work (96.5): Australia is excelling in the transition towards a green economy, with policies focused on sustainability and renewable energy.
   
2. Academic Readiness (98.9): Australia is a global leader in research and innovation, supported by initiatives like the AI Roadmap.  
3. Skills Fit (87.2): Australia has strong alignment between skills delivered and industry demand, especially in areas like digital literacy, AI, and cybersecurity. 
4. Economic Transformation (90.6): Australia's economy has a strong focus on digital and green infrastructure. Investments in digital connectivity, renewable energy, and industrial innovation are shaping Australia's capacity for economic transformation. One of the key indicators used for Economic Transformation is Work Readiness – and Australia scored a perfect score (100.00)!  

Australia’s performance across these areas secures its position as a Future Skills Pioneer, well-prepared to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving global jobs market. 

The fastest growing and declining jobs  

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, global demand for AI specialists, sustainability managers, and digital transformation experts is growing rapidly, with growth rates of over 200% between 2025 and 2030. At the same time, traditional roles such as data entry clerks and administrative staff are rapidly declining.

Australian education and training providers are adapting their curriculum to align with global trends. They also foster innovation through partnerships with industry and international collaborators.  

As the QS World Future Skills Index 2025 shows, Australia’s focus on skills development in these emerging fields positions it as a world-class study destination for career preparation.  

Skills demand in Australia 

Australia’s new Skills in Demand visa enables employers to address workforce shortages by hiring skilled workers where there is a skills need. This can include hiring international graduates in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) subclass 485.  

The Australian Government’s Core Skills Occupation List highlights the need to attract talent in high-demand areas, such as AI, cybersecurity, engineering, health, green technologies, and more. 

Visit the Study Australia Course Search tool to start enquiring with Australian education providers today.