Australia is the third most popular study abroad destination in the world after the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). It offers an unbeatable study and living experience where students have the opportunity to get a world-class education, gain meaningful employment experience during and post-study, and enjoy an excellent quality of life, all in one place.
A popular destination for studying, vacationing, and living, Australia is a land of many exciting experiences and opportunities. Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth. It is situated in the Southern Hemisphere, south east of the Asian continent. Due to Australia’s size and location, its geography is extremely diverse, ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Australian Alps and Tasmania, to large deserts, tropical, and temperate forests.
Australia is divided into six states and two territories. The capital of Australia is Canberra. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are some of the other popular Australian cities. All six of these cities are also amongst the Top 50 QS Best Student Cities 2019. The Economist also lists Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide among the world’s 10 best cities to live in. Australia has a relatively warm weather all year long, but the actual weather conditions typically vary greatly between regions due to the huge size of the country. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology classifies Australia into five climates zones. The northern section of Australia has a more tropical influenced climate, hot and humid in the summer, and quite warm and dry in the winter. The southern parts are cooler with mild summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters.
Australia offers students a unique opportunity to obtain a world-class education, and work during and post-study, in a laid-back, high quality, multicultural environment that is highly urbanized, yet surrounded by beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes.
Australia has one of the best education systems in the world. In fact, the US News 2019 Best Countries for Education Ranking lists Australia as the sixth best country in the world for education. Universitas 21 (U21) 2019 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems also identifies Australia as having one of the top ten best higher education systems in the world. Seven of the Australian universities rank amongst the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2020. Many other Australian universities are also ranked amongst the top 500 list in reputable rankings, such as Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019 and Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities. The Australian education system is tightly regulated by the government to maintain its world-renowned, high standard of education. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act further protects international students in Australia and ensure appropriate academic support and excellence.
Education is highly valued in Canada. The Canadian government invests heavily in the Canadian education system. As a result, Canada has one of the highest rates of post-secondary education completion (61%) amongst the OECD member countries. Unsurprisingly, Canadian teachers, professors, and researchers are also amongst the most qualified academic professionals around the world. Canada also attracts top international faculty because of its investments in cutting-edge research in areas such as medical science, pharmaceuticals, information technology and artificial intelligence.
The option to work while studying is one of the decision-making criteria for prospective international students finalizing their education destination. International students on a valid student visa can work up to 40 hours per fortnight (bi-weekly) during their study session, and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the summer holidays.
Australia and Australian cities consistently rank amongst the most livable places in the world. Australia’s quality of education, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, and government services rank well above international averages. According to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Australia offers the second-best quality of life amongst its member countries, which include Canada, USA, UK, and most other European nations. US News 2019 Best Countries Ranking also puts Australia amongst the top ten countries in the world overall, and for quality of life specifically. The Economist also ranks three Australian cities—Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide— amongst the world’s 10 best cities to live in.
A trip to Australia is not complete without experiencing the great Australian outdoors. Australia is home to many breathtaking sights, stunning landscapes, and natural wonders, including the Great Barrier Reef, which is the only living thing on Earth that is visible from space, and exotic wildlife, with many species found nowhere else in the world. Exploring the world’s largest sand island, sunbathing and surfing in Australia’s 1,000+ beaches, hiking in some of the world’s largest National Parks, and swimming with marine wildlife are just some of the unforgettable experience’s students can immerse in while they study in Australia.
Australia is a vibrant and welcoming multicultural country which respects, supports, and celebrates cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. Immigrants represent nearly 60% of Australia’s population growth in the last five years, and make up roughly 25% of the Australian population today. Australians speak over 260 languages, identify with more than 270 ancestries, and proudly celebrate their diversity every year during Australia Day, Australia’s Independence Day.
Australian degrees are recognized and respected globally. Whether the student chooses to apply for work in Australia with a Temporary Graduate Visa, or return to their home country, an Australian education will open many doors for them. The government’s Australian Global Alumni program further helps graduates connect with alumni globally to support their professional growth.
