Australia

Australia officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area. Neighboring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east.

Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world’s 12th-largest economy. In 2012 Australia had the world’s fifth-highest per capita income, Australia’s military expenditure is the world’s 13th-largest. With the second-highest human development index globally, Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. Australia is a member of the United Nations, G20, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Australia is a dynamic, vibrant country with energetic, friendly people. Multicultural Australia is English-speaking and a safe and friendly society in which students can learn and travel freely. Australia also offers excellent value for money and a standard of living that is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA. The other advantages for this country in the Asia Pacific Rim include paid internships while studying. Below are some key factors favouring Australia as one of the best study abroad destination for international students:

• Reputation for Excellence – Australia has built a strong reputation for excellence and quality across its higher education and training programs. Australian universities are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines.
• Worldwide Recognized Education – Australian qualifications are recognised by employers and leading educational institutions around the world. The Australian education system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments.The quality of Australia’s education and training sector is internationally recognised.
• Multicultural Enviornment- Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to the campuses and communities.People from about 200 countries have migrated to Australia, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The multicultural nature of Australian society means international students are readily accepted by other students, and teachers are experienced in teaching classes to students from many countries.
• Assured Education Quality – The country is committed to providing quality education to students — be it national or international. The Australian government introduced a program called ESOS in 2000 to protect international students and their rights. Any program that accepts international students must have student services and educational facilities that meet strict quality standards set by the government. Australia provides the world’s most rigorous protection for international students through ESOS and other important legislation to protect international students.
• English Speaking Country – In Australia you have the opportunity to excel in english by speaking the language on the day to day basis; living among and conversing with native speakers and taking advantage of chances to engage in real life and practical situation in an English-speaking environment.
• High Employability After Studies – Employers in Australia and around the world hold Australian graduates in high esteem. Thousands of graduates are recruited every year in all career fields. From traditional fields, such as business, finance, law and medicine, to emerging industries, such as environmental sustainability, digital media, biotechnology, nanotechnology and e-commerce, Australian qualification provides an excellent platform for career advancement.
• Focused Study Programs – Students pick their major in their first year, and begin studying their chosen topics in a focused curriculum as opposed to the broad-based curriculum of most overseas universities. Since Bachelor degrees are typically a year shorter than overseas universities in UK, Canada and US due to the focused curriculum, students in Australia graduate a year earlier than other students in the world however they earn the same credentials.
• Scholarship Options – Australia has many scholarship programs, student bursaries, and other support programs to help transition international students into Australia. It currently has the 3rd largest international student enrollment, after the USA and the UK.
• Friendly Skilled Migration Program – The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant program. A number of international students are able to apply for permanent residence in Australia and make this the country in which they permanently live and work.
• Earn While Studying – The international students in Australia are allowed to work on parttime basis for 40 hours per fortnight during any fortnight in the course session.

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia. (All costs are in Australian dollars.)

• Tuition fees – between AU$ 10,000 and AU$ 37,000 per annum
• Accommodation and living costs (Big Cities) – AU$ 18,000 approx. per annum
• Accommodation and living costs (Small Cities) – AU$ 12,000 approx. per annum

Here are some typical costs for living in Australia:

• Hostels and Guesthouses – $80 to $135 per week
• Shared Rental – $70 to $250 per week
• On campus – $80 to $250 per week
• Homestay – $110 to $270 per week
• Rental – $100 to $400 per week
• Groceries and eating out – $80 to $200 per week
• Gas, electricity – $60 to $100 per week
• Phone and Internet – $20 to $50 per week
• Public transport – $10 to $50 per week
• Car (after purchase) – $150 to $250 per week
• Entertainment – $50 to $100 per week