Australia is an increasingly popular study destination with international students from across the globe. In 2006 over 380,000 overseas students enrolled in education programs in Australia. So why is it that so many students choose to study in Australia? Read on to find out...
The Australian Qualifications Framework
Australia’s education system is made up of a single national framework of qualifications—the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)—that ensures the quality and consistency of Australian qualifications.
The AQF represents a system of national qualifications across Australia’s different education sectors, and helps to ensure that Australian qualifications are highly regarded and widely recognised by education institutions and employers worldwide.
For more information visit the AQF Web site at: www.aqf.edu.au/aqfqual.htm
Quality Assurance
A number of regulations and laws are in place to ensure the quality and consistency of Australia’s international education sector. Australia has a national quality assurance system that is strictly governed by both government and industry.
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 requires institutions that offer courses to international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education quality, facilities and services. The Act therefore ensures that international students receive the same standard of education as Australian students.
In addition, institutions that wish to offer education to international students must be registered with the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Registration with CRICOS requires institutions to demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian standards.
A Reputation for Excellence
Australian education programs are recognised around the world for excellence, innovation and quality. Experienced, first-rate academic staff consistently provide career-orientated education and training that equips students with knowledge and skills that are widely desired by employers.
Australian institutions are equipped with world-class teaching and research facilities that include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and libraries. Australia is also a world leader in the development and implementation of technology-based learning, and computer-assisted learning facilities are widely available.
A Great Place to Live
Apart from being a great place to get a first-rate education, Australia is also a fantastic place to live. It provides a safe, welcoming and multicultural society with a population that originates from around 200 countries! Australian people are known for being easygoing and friendly.
The lifestyle and quality of living in Australia are among the best in the world. Several of Australia’s major cities are regularly ranked among the world’s top 10 ‘most liveable’ cities. Melbourne was even twice consecutively named number one most liveable city in the world in recent years.
Australia also offers great climates; exciting, modern, cosmopolitan cities; diverse and beautiful landscapes; and unique flora and fauna. There are plenty of opportunities for fantastic travel and sightseeing experiences throughout the country. Among the list of favourite attractions are the world-famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, just to name a few!
Value for Money
Australian education programs represent great value for money. Australian courses are often considerably cheaper than similar programs in other countries popular with international students. This, coupled with the fact that living costs are also generally lower in Australia, makes Australia an economic choice.
Support for International Students
Australian universities provide extensive help and a wide range of services to make international students’ transition to life and study in Australia as easy and pleasurable as possible.
In fact, by Australian law all institutions that offer education to international students must provide support services specifically to help international students to study and adapt to their new environment. Typical international student support units offer services to help international students before they leave their home country, throughout their stay in Australia, and even when the time comes to return home. Services include orientation and study preparation programs, student mentors, counselling services, English language support programs, and support groups for accompanying family members.
