Australia is an independent western democracy with a population of more than 21 million. It is one of the world's most urbanized countries, with about 70% of the population living in the 10 largest cities. Most of the population is concentrated along the eastern seaboard and the southeastern corner of the continent. Australia's life style reflects its mainly western origins, but Australia is also a multi cultural society, which has been enriched by nearly 5 million settlers from almost 200 nations. Australia is the only nation to occupy an entire continent. Its landmass of nearly 7.7 million square km is the flattest (after Antarctica) driest of continents, yet it has extremes of climate and topography.

Australia is the only nation to occupy an entire continent its landmass of nearly 7.7 million square km is the flattest (after Antarctica) driest of continents, yet it has extremes of climate and topography. There are rain forests and vast planes in the north and snowfields in the southeast, desert in the center and fertile croplands in the east, south and southwest. The Australia economy is diverse with a well-developed territory or service sectors a full range of secondary manufacturing and an expanding base of new technology, large-scale resource development and productive primary industries.The Australia economy is diverse with a well-developed territory or service sectors a full range of secondary manufacturing and an expanding base of new technology, large-scale resource development and productive primary industries 

Australia's six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The Mainland territories are the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home of the national capital, Canberra that includes Jervis Bay Territory and the Northern Territory.

EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

Why study in Australia?

• Courses are recognized internationally
• Education standards are higher and the academic 
  environment is stimulating
• Living costs and tuition fees are comparatively lower than 
  most other countries
• Institutions are accredited by the Australian government
• Australia provides a multicultural environment.
• Allowed to work 20 hours per week.
• High Visa success rate.
• Preference given for migration

Cost of Study 

There are limited scholarships available to international students but most students pay the full cost of their study plus all their own travel and living expenses. University fees for undergraduate courses range from AUD$ 12,000 to AUD$ 26,000 per annum. Fees for classroom based courses average about AUD$ 10,000 per annum. Vocational courses cost an average of AUD$ 8000 per annum.

Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Australia can vary based on your choice of city or town. A single student in Australia will need between AUD$10000 to AUD$12000/- a year. This amount would cover rent, food, basic clothing, public transport & books.The University handbook will provide detailed information on the costs of study. There are 42 education institutions in Australia

Health Insurance

All international students studying in Australia are required to have medical insurance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) annual charge of AUD$ 312 per person is payable along with the first semester tuition fees before a student visa is issued.

Scholarships

Scholarships to study in Australia are extremely competitive due to limited number available to students on an international basis.

Loans 

Banks in India offer education loan schemes at competitive interest rates and attractive repayment conditions. To receive a study loan you must have a first class degree, confirmed letter of offer from a recognized institution abroad, provide collateral security and repayment guarantee.

COURSES

•Humanities : English, Philosophy,History,Foreign Language Studies,Communications,Psychology,etc

•Social Studies: Geography, Behavioral Studies, Welfare and Counseling, etc.

•Mathematics and Computing: Mathematics and Statistics, Computer based information system, Computer Sciences, etc.

•Science : Science Pharmacology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Biotechnology, etc.

•Visual and Performing Arts : Arts, Graphic Arts, Fashion Design, Crafts, Performing Arts, etc.

•Engineering : Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, etc.

•Business Administration and Law: Economics, Accounting,Commerce,Management,Administration,etc.

UNIVERSITIES

There are 39 universities in Australia out of which 37 are government run and two are private.  Australian Universities offer undergraduate and post graduate programs in traditional and modern subject areas such as innovative courses in IT,Electronics, Business and Sciences.

AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Most international students in Australia study on the full fee payment.  There are however, students undertaking post graduate research in areas of particular concern in Australia who may apply for the OVERSEAS POST GRADAUTE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS (OPRS).  There are 300 scholarships available in Austalia from around the world.

Basic understanding of pre requisite exams in Australia

•IELTS – International English Language Testing System – it is required by all the universities and colleges as a pre requisite. Also Mandatory for visa filing.

•TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language – it is also a test of English generally required in USA, though universities accepts it also in Australia. But not acceptable for the Visa Filing.

•Besides this exams like SAT,GMAT,GRE are generally not required by the universities, as an exception some universities may ask any of them under special requirement of the course.

Study cost in Australia

•Study in Australia is as affordable as compared to other countries like USA, UK, CANADA, etc.

•The study cost i.e., the tuition fee in Australia can range from AUD 8,000 to AUD 30,000 for courses from Certificate to diploma to Doctoral Programmes.

•The duration of the course can range from 1 year to 3 years. One can see that in spite of providing a quality education with global recognition, Australia is comparatively still cheaper than other countries.

Living cost in Australia

•The average international student in Australia spends around AUD 1, 000 on his living expenses which covers food, clothing, entertainment, laundry, travel, etc. though the cost can differ as per the living standards of each individual.

•As per the norms of the AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION, a student is required to show AUD 12, 000 per annum for his living expenses in Australia.

EMPLOYMENT

•International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for a work permit.  Students can work up to 20 hours per week anywhere during course time and 40 hours per week full time during vacations.

•The average earning of the student can be between AUD 7-18 per hour.

INTAKES IN AUSTRALIA

There are basically two intakes in Australia i.e., February and July. However, some universities offer intakes in September, October and November also for few courses.

IMMIGRATION

The government of Australia always have been interested in taking skilled work force in the country via Permanent Residency.  For this purpose the graduates from Australia can apply for the Permanent Residency after qualifying the criteria.  For more details one should consult the website www.immi.gov.au

Some of the characteristics of PR are :

•PR pass marks are 120 points.

•60 points for the occupation and 30 points for applicant with or below  29 years of age.

•English Proficiency

University of Southern

Queensland

University Of Queensland

The Hospitality Training Association Inc (HTA)

Southern Cross University

Shafston College

Southern Cross Education Institute

Queensland University of Technology

Mackintosh College

QIBT  @ Griffith University

James Cook University

Holmes Institute

Hibernia Institute

Griffith University

Central Queensland University

see here the full list of Australian Colleges >>>>>>