Australians enjoy a safe, friendly, beautiful and prosperous life. Crime rates are amongst the lowest in the world. The people are relaxed and open-minded; the cities are booming and the opportunities are growing.

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all rank in the top 20 cities in the world in which to live for overall quality of live, according to The Economist. In fact, some surveys place Australia as overall number 1 country in the world to live in terms of quality of life.

With lots of sunshine, white sand beaches, a dynamic cultural scene and adventures every day, Australia is never dull. And more than 280,000 international students from about 195 different countries choose to study in Australia each year, so you will not be alone in making this great step.

The Australian government has developed a series of strategies to increase the population over the coming decades with the aim of making Australia even more competitive on the world stage. The majority of the population growth will come from immigration mostly young people and from all parts of the world.

Australia’s universities have made important breakthroughs in modern technology and science while Australia’s vocational training system, which is based on industry standards, is used as a model for other Asia-Pacific countries.

There are universities in all major Australian cities and throughout regional areas of the country ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students. About 20 percent of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas.

Many international students also study in vocational education and training colleges and institutes across Australia. These institutes offer qualifications that recognised in the workplace.

International students in Australia also study English language through courses offered by private organisations, universities and governments; in foundation courses to prepare them for university study; and within Australian schools.

The Australian Government ensures the quality of Australian institutions and courses in a number of ways. Institutions must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Qualifications offered to students must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework

Australian institutions develop the creative, analytical and lateral thinking skills of students, and encourage individuality. The Australian education system also encourages responsibility and maturity in students. Students take an active part in their own education and are expected to supplement classroom studies with independent study in libraries, at home and in teams with other students.

The staff at Australian institutions are also very experienced in helping students from other countries, and there are well-established support systems in place for international students.