The Australian Government must take urgent action to ensure Australia can attract the world’s best and brightest, including better support for migrant STEM professionals, according to the Science & Technology Australia (STA) submission for the Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.
The nation is facing a critical shortage of STEM professionals, with an increasing reliance on those born overseas. The STEM and health workforce in Australia comprises 43 per cent skilled migrants. That’s up by five per cent in the past ten years.
“While we must develop home grown talent, Australia is reliant on the migrant STEM workforce to deliver world-class research and industry outcomes. To support higher long-term productivity, Australia must remain an attractive destination for global talent,” STA President Jas Chambers said.
STA is calling on the Australian Government to:
1. ensure visa settings enable clear and easily navigable pathways to permanent residency for STEM professionals and enable the STEM sector to draw more deeply on the talent pool offered by international students and graduates
2. take a long-term, evidence-based approach to policy for the STEM workforce, and
3. support organisations and programs with a proven track record of supporting migrants and people from diverse backgrounds gain work experience and employment in the Australian STEM sector.
The Government’s own employment projections show the number of STEM jobs requiring a Bachelor’s degree or higher is expected to grow by 24% to nearly 2.9 million by 2035.
“There is a growing demand for STEM professionals in Australia. We know there’s expected to be a shortfall of 60,000 AI workers by 2027 and the same number of engineers by 2035,” Ms Chambers said.
“These numbers should sound the alarm bell. Australia has always punched above its weight in research and development, but we simply cannot keep up with the demands of the future STEM workforce without action.”
Australia’s current STEM workforce pipeline shows serious signs of strain, with almost half thinking about leaving their current role, according to new research by STA and Professionals Australia.
When asked about their next career move, The Professional Scientists Remuneration Survey 2025 reveals a third of respondents expect to leave the STEM and Health sectors altogether.
“A sound and nation-building pipeline of STEM capabilities requires sensible and integrated government policies. Success requires synchronised workforce planning, international students, and visa pathways that attract and secure overseas talent, including researchers and research infrastructure professionals.”
Read the STA submission to the Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.
Media contact: Paul Richards – media@sta.org.au or 0412 145 905
