Country Guide Australia| Australian Education | Study Abroad Australia

Australian Life & Culture

Australia is one of the leading destinations for students who are looking to study abroad, and every year the number of international students increases. The low cost of living and tuition fees and excellent lifestyle and weather are the major reasons for the popularity of Australia as a study abroad destination.

Australians are very friendly and helpful people, with a great sense of humor and a natural ability to tell jokes and play with words. Sometimes we may appear cold because of our "private nature" which has been imported over the past 2 decades, but it just takes time to "break the ice” and everything goes well. Australians tend to follow each other a bit, like sheep on a hill. This happens because of the stability of Australian Institutions and the strong economy. In reality, Australia is considered one of the most competitive nations on Earth.

An outdoor lifestyle and love of sports punctuates Australian life. With more than 80 per cent of Australians living within 50 km of the coast, urban and secluded beaches are popular for leisure and holiday activities. The most popular watched sport in Australia is Australian Rules Football, with rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming, and of course surfing and yachting all popular participant and spectator sports.

Australia has a large multicultural population: approximately 23 per cent of the population is foreign born and almost 40 per cent are of mixed cultural origins. With such a mixture of people, you'll find a rich cultural scene along with a number of literature, arts and crafts, music, theatre and dance festivals celebrating indigenous, colonial and other cultures. Various ethnic groups have contributed to the richness of Australia's cuisine, from Greek to Vietnamese and Cantonese to Indian.

Australian Education

Australian education has a strong international reputation for excellence and is known for its effective structure and innovative policy developments. For international students, it offers extremely rigorous consumer protection. In Australia, you have the freedom to choose a path that suits your particular goals. There are thousands of courses on offer. For any course, you’ll experience a unique kind of education. Australia promotes innovative, creative and independent thinking. You’ll learn to work as part of a team, to communicate effectively with others and to develop the practical skills and intellectual abilities you need for global success. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to use your initiative. You will start to think of original, practical solutions to real-world problems. Upon graduation, your qualification will make you highly sought after by Australian and international employers.

Australia is a place where your quality of education is guaranteed. Australian universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. Australia is a technologically advanced society and you’ll study at an institution with great facilities. Australian classrooms are equipped with the latest technology and laptops are allowed in many lecture halls and classrooms. In Australia you will enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Living costs and tuition fees are affordable. Australia is also one of the best places to live. So if you want a quality education and a good lifestyle, Australia’s the place to be.

Working While Study at Australia

One of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is that you can receive permission to work part time while you study. If you have permission to work, you can work up to 20 hours per week while your course is in session. However, you cannot start work until you have commenced your course in Australia. If you’re bringing your family with you, your dependants can also work up to 20 hours per week once you have started your course in Australia.

International students often find work in retail, hospitality and administration. You could expect to earn a $6-15 an hour, depending on the kind of work you do and your age. You may be paid more for working on Sundays or public holidays.

Getting Around Australia

Australian Fast Facts

Australian Climate

Australia is a big country. Australian cities and towns have excellent public and private transportation systems. Using public transportation is often the cheapest way to get around. The country has an excellent system of roads and bus and train services. However, flying is the best way to cover large distances in a short time.

Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and some of the most beautiful touring routes in the world. An international visitor may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s licence for the same class of vehicle. Taxis are also available.

Coach and bus travel in Australia is comfortable, easy and economical. Coaches generally have air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats and videos. Special passes are available for coaches and buses.

Train travel gives you an insight into Australia’s size and diversity, all from the comfort of your carriage. The Spirit of Tasmania runs a passenger and vehicle ferry service between Melbourne and Tasmania at nights. Extra services are run during summer peak times.

Walking is a great way to get around Australian cities.

Official name: Commonwealth of Australia

Area: 2,978,147 sq mi

Population: 19,222,000

Capital city: Canberra

Currency: Australian dollar

Major cities: Sydney. Melbourne, Brisbane

Language: English

Religion: Christianity

Major exports: coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool and live sheep, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment.

The climate of Australia varies widely, but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid – 40% of the landmass is covered by sand dunes. The south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, varied between tropical rainforests, grasslands, part desert. In Australia, snow can fall in the mountains of Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Tasmania.