'Don't waste time coming to Australia': Indian techie slams data science degrees

Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 1:44 GMT by Business Today
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The techie argued against blindly investing in expensive courses without understanding the shrinking job market and the ground realities of Australia's tech industry

The Australian Dream Deferred? Indian Techie's Critique Sparks Debate on Data Science Degrees and Migration

A recent online post by an Indian data science professional working in Australia has ignited a significant debate within the Indian tech community regarding the value proposition of pursuing data science degrees specifically to facilitate migration to Australia. The LinkedIn post, authored by Rohan Sharma (name used pseudonymously for privacy), has gone viral, resonating with many Indians considering or already undertaking similar educational pathways and prompting a wider discussion about the evolving landscape of skilled migration and the true cost – both financial and temporal – of chasing an international career.

Sharma’s core argument isn't that data science is a worthless field; rather, he contends that pursuing a degree *solely* to gain points for Australian permanent residency (PR) is often a misguided strategy, particularly given the current market conditions and evolving visa requirements. He argues that many Indian students are investing significant sums of money – upwards of AUD $20,000 - $30,000 or more – in data science degrees from Australian institutions with the primary goal of accumulating points for skilled migration visas like the Subclass 189 (independent) and Subclass 491 (state-nominated). However, he believes this investment is frequently a waste of time and money.

Sharma’s experience highlights several key issues underpinning his critique. Firstly, he observes that the Australian data science job market has become increasingly competitive. While demand for skilled professionals remains, it's not as readily accessible as many Indian aspirants believe. The influx of graduates from both Australia and overseas – particularly India – has created a surplus of candidates vying for limited positions. This increased competition means that even those with degrees are finding it challenging to secure employment, especially at the salary levels required to meet visa requirements.

Secondly, Sharma points out that the specific data science skills emphasized in many Australian degree programs don’t always align perfectly with the needs of Australian employers. While foundational knowledge is imparted, practical experience and industry-specific expertise often remain lacking. Many graduates find themselves needing to acquire additional skills on the job, effectively negating some of the perceived advantage gained from the formal education. He suggests that a significant portion of what's taught in these programs can be self-learned through online resources like Coursera, Udemy, and Kaggle, making the expensive degree less justifiable as a pathway to employment.

The post further emphasizes the changing nature of Australia’s skilled migration program. The points system, while still relevant, is becoming increasingly stringent. Requirements for English language proficiency (IELTS scores) are rising, work experience is being prioritized, and age limits are tightening. This means that simply having a data science degree isn't enough to guarantee visa approval; applicants need a comprehensive profile demonstrating strong skills, experience, and adaptability. Sharma argues that the points gained from a degree can be easily offset by deficiencies in other areas of an applicant’s profile, rendering the investment largely ineffective.

He doesn't dismiss the value of education entirely. He acknowledges that a formal degree can provide structure and credibility, particularly for those lacking prior experience. However, he strongly advocates for a more strategic approach to career development. Instead of blindly pursuing a data science degree solely for migration purposes, Sharma suggests focusing on building practical skills through online courses, personal projects, and contributing to open-source initiatives. He recommends gaining relevant work experience in India or other countries before considering applying for Australian visas. This allows individuals to build a stronger professional profile and demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.

Sharma’s post has sparked considerable discussion within the Indian tech community. Many commenters expressed agreement with his assessment, sharing similar experiences of struggling to find employment despite holding data science degrees from Australian institutions. Others acknowledged the value of education but emphasized the importance of aligning degree choices with career goals and market demands. Some pointed out that while the Subclass 189 visa might be increasingly difficult to obtain solely based on a degree, state-nominated visas (like the Subclass 491) still offer opportunities for skilled migrants, albeit with specific regional requirements.

The debate also highlights broader concerns about the "study and migrate" phenomenon – the practice of students pursuing education abroad primarily as a pathway to immigration. While international education is undoubtedly valuable, it's crucial that prospective students make informed decisions based on realistic assessments of job market conditions, visa requirements, and their own skills and experience. The allure of an “Australian dream” can be powerful, but it’s essential to approach the process with pragmatism and a clear understanding of the challenges involved.

Sharma’s message isn't intended to discourage individuals from pursuing data science careers or migrating to Australia. Instead, he aims to provide a dose of reality and encourage a more strategic and informed approach. He suggests that investing in skills development, gaining practical experience, and networking within the industry are far more valuable than simply accumulating points through a degree program. He advocates for a shift in mindset – from viewing education as a guaranteed ticket to migration to seeing it as one component of a broader career strategy.

Ultimately, Sharma’s post serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring data scientists in India and underscores the need for critical evaluation of educational pathways and immigration strategies in an increasingly competitive global landscape. It prompts a vital conversation about the true cost of chasing international dreams and the importance of aligning education with genuine career aspirations rather than solely relying on it as a means to an end. The Australian dream, he implies, requires more than just a degree; it demands dedication, adaptability, and a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead. The discussion also touches upon the ethical considerations for Australian institutions offering data science degrees marketed heavily towards international students with migration aspirations. Are these institutions adequately preparing graduates for the realities of the job market or are they primarily capitalizing on the desire for immigration? This question remains largely unanswered but is now being actively debated within the Indian tech community and potentially, among stakeholders in the Australian education sector.

Read the Full Business Today Article at:
[ https://www.businesstoday.in/nri/study/story/dont-waste-time-coming-to-australia-indian-techie-slams-data-science-degrees-487998-2025-08-06 ]

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'Don't waste time coming to Australia': Indian techie slams data science degrees - BusinessToday

The Australian Dream Deferred? Indian Techie's Critique Sparks Debate on Data Science Degrees and Migration