Goodbye South Africa – 5 Australian cities South Africans are flocking to

There is an increasing trend of South Africans looking to move to Australia, and they’re flocking to cities with established expat communities to help with the transition, such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.

Jamie-Lee Le Roux, Australian Migration Manager at Sable International, told BusinessTech that he has observed a notable uptick in inquiries and applications from South Africans interested in relocating to Australia.

Le Roux noted that this trend is driven by a combination of factors, with safety concerns, better opportunities for children, and the allure of a stable economy being at the forefront.

Australia’s similar climate and lifestyle to South Africa also make it an attractive destination, providing a sense of familiarity in a new environment.

One of the key draws for South Africans is the presence of established expat communities in major Australian cities.

These communities offer a support network that helps ease the transition into Australian life. The five most popular Australian cities for South African migrants are:

• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Gold Coast

These cities not only offer vibrant job markets but also a sense of community, making them ideal for newcomers seeking both professional and personal stability.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are approximately 214,790 South Africans living in Australia.

This figure positions the South African-born population as the seventh largest migrant community in the country, accounting for 2.6% of Australia’s overseas-born population and 0.8% of the total population.

Popular suburbs for South African expats include St Ives in Sydney, Baldivis near Perth, and Point Cook in Melbourne.

These areas are known for their family-friendly environments, strong community ties, and excellent amenities, including quality schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces.

This combination of factors makes them particularly attractive to families seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Employment opportunities are another major factor driving South Africans to Australia.

The country’s demand for skilled professionals aligns well with the expertise many South Africans have.

Australian government migration statistics highlight that South Africans are filling roles listed on the Skilled Priority List, which targets occupations critical to the country’s economic needs.

Key professions occupied by South Africans include:

• Secondary school teachers
• Pre-primary school teachers
• Civil engineering professionals
• Accountants
• ICT business and systems analysts
• Construction managers

These roles not only offer career growth but also come with competitive salaries.

According to recruitment firm Talent.com, doctors in Australia can earn between R1.44 million and R3.6 million annually, making them the highest earners among South African expats.

Construction managers and engineers can see salaries reaching the R2 million mark, reflecting the high demand for their skills.

Even preschool teachers, often undervalued in many job markets, earn between R938,000 and R1.2 million annually in Australia—an average of just over R1 million.

This is nearly four times the average salary for teachers in South Africa, which stands at around R254,000 per year.

The strong labour protections and work-life balance promoted in Australian workplaces further contribute to the country’s appeal as a migration destination.

These lucrative opportunities are a significant pull factor, contributing to the declining trend of South Africans returning home.

Stats SA’s Migration Profile Report for South Africa reveals that since 2000, around 413,000 South Africans have emigrated, with just under 28,000 returning in 2022.

This data underscores the lasting appeal of life abroad despite narratives suggesting a wave of returnees drawn by lower living costs, favourable weather, and family connections.

However, Stats SA’s data from the 2011 and 2022 censuses indicate no significant increase in the number of returnees.

This suggests that while some South Africans do choose to come back, the majority find the stability, opportunities, and quality of life abroad—particularly in countries like Australia—too compelling to leave behind.

With the combination of professional growth, financial security, and a high standard of living, it’s clear why Australia continues to be a top choice for South African migrants seeking a fresh start.

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane

Perth

Gold Coast