Excellence
Australia has an international reputation for excellence in all areas of education and training.
Australian universities are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines. Institutions deliver practical and career-orientated training so graduates can be confident they have the skills demanded by employers.
The Australian approach to vocational and technical education is now recognised as among the best and most innovative in the world. It has played an important role in Australia's economic performance, by greatly increasing the skill of workers and contributing to improved productivity.
Australian school students score highly in international competitions, such as the OECD PISA reading, scientific and mathematical literary scales and outperform other English speaking countries in the key areas of science and mathematics.
Australian education and training institutions are leading the world in the development of technology-based learning. For example our English language colleges have video and library facilities, computer-assisted learning facilities and language laboratories for teaching English.
Australia's reputation as an innovative and research-intensive culture is attracting many international students. Visit the Australian Technology Showcase (ATS) website, which showcases Australia as a source of innovative technology and advanced skills.
Academic staff in Australian education institutions are recruited from around the world and often are leading industry experts in their field. Australian teachers are experienced in supervising students from many countries.
Each year student and staff exchange programs are forged from Australia's international links with esteemed education institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Australia has a reputation for adopting new technologies at a faster rate than in most other countries and enters the new millennium with one of the highest rates of Internet access in the world. Facilities for teaching, training and research are world-class in terms of state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, outstanding libraries and modern technology.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources website can give you further information on excellence in areas such as science and technology.
Quality and Protection
International students in Australia and their parents enjoy a level of service and financial protection that is unrivalled. Australia¡¯s commitment to offering international students a quality education is backed up by legislation and regulations that govern the international education sector. The legislation is all encompassing, but importantly it sets high benchmarks for qualifications offered and lists the support services that institutions must provide to international students adjusting to their new environment.
Quality Assurance
Australia¡¯s national quality assurance system is unique in both its structure and its rigour. It is a combination of government regulation and industry self-regulation. Each sector has its own comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms. For example, the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) have been set up by the Government to strengthen the quality assurance processes in education and training in Australia.
Where an Australian institution offers courses at an offshore campus or through an agent, the institution is expected to maintain standards at least equivalent to those provided in Australia and carry full responsibility for all aspects of delivery.
Education Services for Overseas Students ESOS Act 2000
In addition to the domestic standards in place Australia also has another level of quality assurance protection for international students.
Students who have chosen to study in Australia receive rigorous protection through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. This legislation requires those institutions that teach international students to meet nationally consistent standards in education delivery, facilities and services. The ESOS Act means that international students get the same standard of education as Australian students. The ESOS legislation provides a nationally consistent approach to the registration of institutions and it is the authority for the Australian Government to monitor the performance of education providers. Breaches of the Act are treated very seriously and the penalties can be significant.
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
Institutions must be registered with the Australian Government before they are permitted to enrol international students in Australia. And to become registered both public and private institutions must demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian standards. An educational institution¡¯s curriculum, qualifications of teaching staff, and facilities are just some of the areas government officials assess when they receive and application from an institution to join the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Every education provider that seeks to recruit, enrol or teach overseas students, or to advertise their ability to do so, must be registered on CRICOS.
CRICOS lists all providers registered to offer courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses they offer in the state where they are registered. Prospective students are strongly advised to check on the CRICOS website to make sure that the course they want to enrol in is registered by their chosen institution and offered in the state where they plan to live when they travel to Australia.
Codes of Conduct
The ESOS Act governing the international education sector also includes the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (the National Code). This operates in all Australian states and it is legally enforceable. CRICOS-registered providers must abide by the National Code. Many institutions also are members of professional bodies or councils that have their own codes of conduct. These set out parameters for academic standards and support services for international students, including procedures for dispute resolution.
Supporting Students
The National Code requires CRICOS-registered institutions to help and support students to study and adapt to their new environment. They must inform students about the support services they have in place before the student takes up the offer of a place and enrols.
Support services include:
offering a mechanism to independently handle student grievances;
employing a Contact Officer whose broad role embraces arranging counselling for students if needed;
approving accommodation and welfare arrangements for students under 18;
giving students as soon as they arrive, information that helps them adjust to their new environment; and
informing students what they must do to progress academically and tell them about future study options.
Consumer Protection
The ESOS legislation also aims to protect the financial interests of current and intending overseas students who can demonstrate that their education provider has failed to meet its commitments. The institution is obliged to offer the student a refund or offer them a suitable alternative tuition at no extra cost.
Safe, multicultural society
Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country.
Australia is a safe country compared to almost anywhere in the world. Crime and political unrest are limited in Australia. Australia has low crime rates and strict gun control laws providing a safe environment. Your study plans and progress are not likely to be upset by political turmoil.
People from about 200 countries have migrated to Australia, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The multicultural nature of Australian society means international students are readily accepted by other students, and teachers are experienced in teaching classes to students from many countries.
Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to our campuses and our communities. We take great care in looking after international students and helping them to adjust to the Australian way of life.
Australians are open, friendly people and you will find a warm welcome in Australia. Many students living in homestay situations experience Australian family life in a natural, friendly way and often find they are treated like a family member. Wherever you live - homestay, boarding school or campus accommodation - you will discover many opportunities to make lasting friendships.
English speaking country
English opens doors to more study options and international career choices.
Australia leads the way in English language training. Students from around the world come to Australia each year to enjoy the challenge of learning English in an English speaking country ¨C for study, work, travel or personal reasons. Australia¡¯s flexible English language institutions cater for everyone from beginner to advanced to teacher training.
Australia has the English course to suit your needs. Classes can be formal for academic studies or more relaxed to on a specific interest. English language training can even take place as part of a holiday. Whatever you choose, you have the flexibility to enrol at virtually any time of the year.
Be assured of quality. In Australia, English language training is closely regulated to ensure the highest standards are maintained. There are standards for class sizes, professional teacher qualifications, curriculum, teaching methods and materials.
You will have access to excellent facilities. English language institutions across Australia offer modern language laboratories, university-qualified instructors, video and library facilities and computer-assisted learning facilities.
Gain recognition. When you complete your English language studies, you can sit for one of the major internationally recognised tests including the Cambridge test, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Australian institutions prefer the IELTS test which is also a requirement for many student visas.
Learning English in Australia will open the door to a successful career. Explore the limitless opportunities that Australia offers.
Qualifications recognition
Australian qualifications are recognised by employers and leading educational institutions in many countries around the world.
An Australian Government organisation called the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) assists Australian institutions to recognise qualifications from overseas. NOOSR also works to promote the recognition of Australian qualifications internationally.
Most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia on a student visa are covered by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways which is endorsed by the Australian Government and recognised throughout Australia and by other countries. On completion of an AQF qualification international students can progress to the next AQF level anywhere in Australia as long as they satisfy student visa requirements. The AQF simplifies international comparison and recognition. You will be assured of a valued and widely recognised qualification.
Student support services
Pastoral care and student support are an important part of Australia¡¯s education system. Australia is an international leader in safeguards and support services for international students. Specialist services for international students are well resourced, quality assured and can be enjoyed in a safe and welcoming society.
Australian institutions are sensitive to religious and cultural needs and provide a range of support and monitoring services to help deal with settling into a new environment, the practicalities of living in Australia and completing studies. Among the excellent range of services supporting the personal and academic achievements of international students in Australia are:
language tuition
designated international student advisers
application and visa-processing assistance
on-arrival reception and orientation programmes
health, counselling, accommodation and employment services
