You have made a wise choice! Australia is the 3rd most popular destination for international students, behind only the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). That is incredible when you consider that Australia has only a population of 23 million. The international student community is vast and varied in this ever-growing education hub.
Australia is home to 7 of the top 100 universities in the world. You have the opportunity to secure a seat in any one of them depending on your grades. The non-top ranking universities too offer highly recognized and valued degrees and interchanging of universities according to grades and preferences is allowed.
Around 1100 higher and further education institutions in Australia offer over 22,000 courses in every possible field of study that you may wish to pursue. Professional and career oriented qualifications that are recognized world over can be obtained from these institutions.
Australian universities are consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world in the Arts & Humanities, Clinical, Pre-clinical & Health, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences fields. A student qualifying from any one of these universities can be proud of holding a prestigious degree that is globally recognized.
Australia was ranked 8thin the 2012 Universitas 21 (U21) Ranking of National Higher Education Systems, ahead of Germany and Japan. This rating speaks for itself and gives a very good reason why you should consider pursuing your future goals in such an environment.
The universities are regularly monitored by a central body. The Government of Australia has established national standards for the protection of international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act of 2000. They have established a National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education as well as Training to Overseas Students . The students are offered a comprehensive awareness before they actually enter the institution.
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) ensures that international students can only apply to institutions and courses that are registered with the Australian Government. This enables a student to be confident that he/she would be passing out of the university with a fully recognized qualification that would enable them to seek competitive jobs.
Be happy in your choice! Legatum Prosperity Index 2013 ranked Australia seventh among the happiest countries in the world. The stress of strain of living and studying in a new environment is made minimal by the ready acceptance of the international student community.
Top Universities ranked six Australian cities, namely, Sydney (4th), Melbourne (5th), Brisbane (26th), Perth (30th), Canberra (37th) and Adelaide (38th), among the top fifty student cities by student diversity, affordability, employment options, and quality of life. You should consider yourself lucky to be accepted by any one of these universities to achieve your goals. You can be assured of a bright future.
Students who secure a qualification in Australia might be eligible for a 2-4 year work Visa, which will allow them to live and work in Australia. You may use this time to obtain additional qualifications that can help you secure a Professional Year program, State Sponsorships, or even apply for permanent residency (PR) in Australia.
The Government of Australia invests around Australian $200 million, annually, in scholarships for international students. There are many methods and avenues to secure total or partial finance assistance depending on your grades. The possibility of part-time work also encourages students to take responsibility of their own education. Student loan facilities and other assistance can be arranged with the respective institutions.