Educational opportunities in Australia

That Australia is one of the popular destinations for overseas students is evident from the fact that, in 2002 more than 2, 40, 000 international students chose to study in Australian institutions.

Australia is one of the select countries that attract Indian students for study abroad and it is increasingly being recognized as an emerging leader in this respect. The country is a provider of high quality education which is recognised throughout the world.

It offers competitive tuition fees and a relatively attractive cost of living as these costs compare well with other countries and overseas students are permitted to work part-time on a casual basis in Australia, subject to certain conditions.

Living cost and tuition fees are almost 40% lower than studying in the UK or USA. Post-secondary education in Australia offers an attractive and stimulating academic environment. The institutions are diverse in size and location.

There are 39 universities ranging in size from around 3000 students to 50,000 students. 37 of these are Government affiliated universities and there are 200 Technical and Further Education (T A FE) colleges. Australian universities currently have 600 international exchange agreements around the world.

In addition, through the University Mobility in Asia and Pacific (UMAP) programme, Australia will work with countries in the Asia Pacific region to encourage academic staff and student mobility.

The Australian climate is mild. It is warmer than in Britain, Europe or North America, and in the northern half of Australia the climate is similar to South East Asia and the South Pacific.