Australia as study abroad destination

Study in Australia:
With eight out of hundred top universities of the world, Australia ranks third most popular destination in attracting international students. It even ranks ninth in terms of overall university ranking system worldwide. With over 22000 courses and 1100 institutions, Australia ranks high in comparison to Germany and japan. The Australian education system has produced scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, educators and other leaders who have made a mark in world history.Australian educational qualifications are recognized and sought after around the world. Moreover, Australian Qualifications Framework allows students to easily move through the education system and provides an easy way for other countries around the world to recognize its awards and degrees in respective countries. The framework has enabled Australia to achieve high standard and top quality of international educational standards. 
Benefits of studying in Australia:
● Global recognition and acceptance of Australian degrees and awards of universities and colleges;
● High quality education system and top ranking institutions worldwide is another major attraction of Australia;
● Australia is known as most diverse and welcoming countries on the globe. Legal immigrants are welcomed and they easily blend with other cultures.
● Highly stable economy of the world. Australia has been most stable economy and has shown consistent economic growth over the past two decades.
● Australia is research intensive country and has a proud tradition of world class research and development which benefit billions of people around the world.
● Well-developed student and education infrastructure providing high quality education. 

Academic culture in Australia:
Australian education is distinguished from other countries by Australian Qualification Framework, which covers education from university, colleges and school level. Australian institutions offer a wide range of courses – from science to management and commerce, humanities to engineering, and law to health sciences. Australian institutions rank among the world’s best by discipline, particularly in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance.
There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help and support financially with your studies in Australia. They are offered by the Australian Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private organizations. Besides there are opportunities for internship in the industry or companies one wishes for to work in. These internship can be either paid or unpaid depending upon several factors and there are several student and work visas allowing a student to intern in Australia.

Accommodation:
Australia offers a wide range of accommodation options to international students which suits ones needs and budget. Major universities have a dedicated international student support team which help students in getting accommodation. International student can opt for on the campus housing, where student have comfortable and furnished apartments on sharing basis.One can rent an apartment either individually or collectively with friends on sharing basis. There are several estate agents which cater to the needs of international students. Another option is of home stay where an international student lives with a local family. There are several families providing home stay facilities in and around institutions in Australia.

Living in the Australia:
Australia is a diverse and multicultural country. It is extremely welcoming towards international students and migrants, and celebrates the various cultures from which they come. Still there are noticeable lifestyle differences between Australia and your home country. Australians are quite casual and informal. For example, most Australian students refer to their lecturers and tutors by their first names. Australians expect everyone to be treated equally. It is customary to thank shop assistants and other service staff when they assist someone.

Food and Entertainment:
Due to its multicultural heritage, Australia offers a fantastic variety of food from all over the world at restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops. Each wave of immigrants brought new food and customs with them European migrants introduced espresso coffee, the Vietnamese brought pho and migrants from India brought spicy curries. Whatever cuisine you feel like, you will find it in most parts of Australia.Australians value their leisure time and take advantage of the great climate by spending a lot of time outside having barbeques with friends, bushwalking, camping or going to the beach. They also like to shop, dine out and go to the cinemas in their leisure time. Sport is a big passion for many Australians especially home-grown Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket, rugby and tennis. Joining a sporting club is a great way to make friends.Australia also has a vibrant cultural scene, with music, arts and food festivals held throughout the year. A good way to get started is to see what kind of social activities are organized by your education provider.

Working in Australia:
International students receive permission to work with their visa. International student visa holders are entitled to work up to 40 hours per fortnight, while their course is in session and unlimited hours during semester breaks. Students completing masters by research and doctoral degrees have unlimited work rights. Casual and part time work provides income to the students though course related work does have an added advantage.Australia also provides opportunities of point based system to immigrate and permanent residency for an international student.