High quality and competitive education in a safe environment.
If you are innovative, creative and think independently, then Australia promises a unique education experience. This dynamic, vibrant and multicultural country attracts the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world after the US and UK. According to officials at the Australian Consulate in Dubai, the number of UAE nationals studying in Australia has grown rapidly over the last few years, making the UAE the third-largest market in the Middle East for student recruitment.
"According to the latest Australian Education International (AEI) statistics there are around 930 UAE nationals currently studying in Australia, a 22 per cent rise from 2006. This includes privately funded students as well as high achieving students on full scholarships provided by the government," said Wendy Haydon Wallace, Business Development Manager covering the education sector at the Australian Consulate in Dubai.
High quality education, competitive study and living costs and a safe environment are the main factors that attract international students to this country. "One of the reasons Gulf students are drawn to Australia is the climate, which in many places matches the Gulf climate. Many people forget Australia is largely a desert nation.
Another thing I hear Gulf students report about Australia is that the education and lifestyle on offer promotes independence. So through studying and living in Australia they are often challenged to think in different ways to the way they were schooled. Returning students often mention this as the most challenging and rewarding part of studying in Australia. This approach also prepares students well for the workforce and is one of the reasons why graduates from Australian institutions are very successful in finding jobs," said Haydon Wallace.
In one of his discussions on the Australian education system, Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science and Training in Australia, mentioned: "Winston Churchill famously observed in 1943 during a prescient address to Harvard University that 'The empires of the future will be empires of the mind'. Australia's place in the 21st century will rely entirely on the capacity of our universities to facilitate critical thinking, undertake world-class research and pass the soul of the nation from one generation to the next."
Australian universities offer a stimulating environment for students to gain valuable skills and experiences. What is interesting is that students can take an active role in the learning process. Engineering is a very popular programme in Australia. Several international students also opt for information technology and information science, as well as business management courses. Australian universities are major participants in international education and research projects and initiatives. Australia also specialises in vocational education and training.
The vast range of courses includes information technology, business management, marketing and communications, health, science, design and the arts, television production and media, environmental studies and land management, sport and recreation, engineering and building, hospitality and tourism. In Australia you can study vocational courses at both public Technical and Further Education institutes and private colleges. The government carefully monitors these institutions, ensuring quality of courses, staff and teaching. Students can learn English in Australia as part of a formal course that prepares individuals for accredited levels of English language recognised by education and immigration authorities around the world. About 20 per cent of all international students in Australia enroll in English language training.
First-hand experience
Besides a world-class education system, the opportunities to get involved in the Australian way of life are endless. From arts and sports to book clubs and great outdoors, there are several ways that international students can blend in and feel at home. The country also offers excellent value for money, since living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are much less than the UK and the US. According to information available on the official education website of the Australian Consulate, the average international student in Australia spends about $335 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. School students in Australia spend a little less, about $275 per week on accommodation and food, entertainment, transport and associated items. Options for accommodation for international students include rental accommodation, hostels, residential colleges and boarding schools. Students can also live with Australian families to get a first-hand experience of life in the country.
The Australian Qualifications Framework, a system that simplifies international comparison and recognition, covers most courses taken by international students on a student visa. Australia has also legislated to protect and safeguard the fees paid by international students. The Australian Government legislation includes a code of conduct that is legally enforceable throughout the country. The Australian Universities Quality Agency is an independent, national quality assurance body that audits the key activities of teaching, research and management in Australian universities. "Australia's national quality assurance system is unique in both its structure and its rigour. Institutions must be registered with the Australian Government and meet special registration conditions enabling them to deliver courses to international students in Australia," said Mohammad Meraj, Marketing Manager, University of Wollongong (UOWD) in Dubai.
The UOWD is one of the UAE's oldest and most prestigious universities representing a very early Australian initiative in the country. Today, UOWD attracts students not just from the UAE and Australia but from all over the world. Besides the UOWD, the University of Southern Queensland also has its Dubai campus in the Knowledge Village, the SAE institute offers film audio and 3D animation courses and the Cambridge College International has opened its doors to students in this region.
With people from more than 100 ethnic groups making Australia their home, it is one of the world's most multicultural places. Australians value the contribution international students make to their campuses and communities and, therefore, welcome overseas students. "The multicultural nature of Australian society also means international students are readily accepted by other students, and teachers are experienced in teaching multi-ethnic classes. Australia has low crime rates and strict gun control laws providing a safe environment," said Meraj.
STUDYING ABROAD
What to expect when applying to study abroad
- Choose your desired course from your preferred university.
- Complete your application from. Most application forms require personal details, proof of English language ability, previous education qualifications, course preferences and summer employment.
- Allow time for your application to be processed.
- Apply for student visa.
"Australia offers several 'value-adds' to those on student visas, with work rights for up to 20 hours per week during university term, and unlimited work rights in vacation periods. All graduates completing two years of study are eligible for an 18-month visa on graduation, and Australia allows graduates in high demand fields to apply for permanent residency," says Meraj.
Do your homework before you move:
- What programmes are on offer?
- How competitive is the application process?
- Do grades transfer?
- Does financial aid transfer?
