What makes Australia a hot destination?

In 1994, 273 visas were issued to Indian students seeking admission to Australian universities. A decade later, by this year-end, the figure is expected to soar over 10,000+ visas, marking a startling 36-fold jump.

In 1994, 273 visas were issued to Indian students seeking admission to Australian universities. A decade later, by this year-end, the figure is expected to soar over 10,000+ visas, marking a startling 36-fold jump. Considering that India has the second largest system of higher education next only to the US, the figures are extremely encouraging for Australia. In fact, by 2025, there will be no less than 80,000 Indian students studying in the country Down Under.

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What makes Australia so hot?
While American degrees tend to be more general and British degrees more specialised, Australian degrees are a combination of both. The government takes a strong interest in maintaining the quality of education, both for Australian and overseas students. As part of this endeavour, all institutes offering courses for overseas students are required to register with the Australian government.

International students also enjoy special protection under the Australian law, through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. Further, the Australian Qualifications Framework covers 12 different qualifications linking universities, vocational education, training, and school education. This makes it mandatory for all institutes to meet quality standards. Hence, Australian degrees are recognised across the world.

The cost factor
Australia has strong educational infrastructure and quality life, both of which are relatively affordable. Living costs and tuition fees are nearly 40 to 60 per cent cheaper than those in the US or UK. In fact, an average international student in Australia requires approximately AU$15,000-20,000 per annum as tuition fees for a Bachelor or a Masters degree, depending on the location, choice of subject and duration. This can even be paid in instalments per semester. Maintenance cost is another AU$10,000-12,000 per annum.

Earn while you learn
Australia is one of the few countries where overseas students are permitted to work up to 20 hours each week during the academic year and full-time during vacations. Once the course begins, students may apply for a work permit in Australia. In fact, institutes often have employment officers to help. One can also take one's spouse to Australia who can earn full-time there, provided she/he opts for an annual course. Unskilled part-time work wages range from AU$10-50 per hour.

Scholarships galore
As far as scholarships are concerned, the Australian government offers a range of scholarships for international students. Most are open to students from developing countries who, cannot afford to pay full tuition fees and want to use their education for the upliftment of their home countries. Other scholarships available are for students with high academic achievements, who want to study at the postgraduate level.

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) funds the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) for students from developing countries. The Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) also offers scholarships. In fact, International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) and the IDP Peace Scholarships are also available to Indian students. There are around 300 scholarships, granted on the basis of merit, to academically strong candidates. However, aspiring students need to apply through the university.

There are institutes and other organisations in Australia that also offer scholarships - though most are offered for postgraduate study (doctoral or masters degree), or are for students already studying an undergraduate course in the country. Popular subjects that fetch funds are IT, Management, Business, Hospitality, Engineering, and the Sciences. However, it is also possible to combine subjects like Liberal Arts or Pure Sciences with industry-driven areas like Engineering, Business, and IT. Interestingly this year, students have shown an increased interest in subjects like Biotechnology, Finance, Accounting, and of course IT and MBA. Environment is another subject that is gaining popularity among Science students.

To apply
Contact IDP Education Australia, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi or the Australian Education International, Australian High Commission, 1/50G Shanthipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi