AUSTRALIA

Australia is a dynamic, vibrant country and its people are energetic, friendly and confident. Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly, sophisticated and harmonious society in which students can learn and travel in an English speaking country. Australia is home to unique animals, plants, and eco-niches--kangaroos in the "Red Centre" desert land, cassowary in the northern rainforest, even a real Tasmanian Devil in the coastal eucalyptus forest. The music, art, and Dream Time stories of its aboriginal people are also without parallel. Waves of immigrants have created a culturally diverse country with something for everybody. Known for its incredible natural beauty, Australia also offers some of the world's best beaches, surfing, and scuba-diving.  Australia provides a unique kind of education and a learning style that encourages you to be innovative, creative and think independently. Australia attracts the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world after the USA and UK. In some countries Australia is the students' first choice study destination. Australia offers an education experience that makes a real difference. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide. Additionally, they are readily accepted for postgraduate study at leading international universities. Australia also offers excellent value for money and a standard of living which is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than the UK and USA. More than 280,000 international students from about 195 countries study in Australia each year. International students in Australia on a student visa can apply for permission to work up to 20 hours a week during course time and full-time during vacation periods. All Australian universities have their admissions criteria and make their own admissions decisions.  One of the factors that may be considered as part of the admissions process is the opinion of the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI NOOSR).  AEI NOOSR is the Australian national expert and coordinating body on overseas skills assessments and recognition.  AEI NOOSR provides advice and assistance to Australian universities on the comparability of overseas post-secondary qualifications. It also publishes guidelines for the assessment of overseas qualifications in its Country Education Profile series. Australia's Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) system often referred to as Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in other countries delivers training that is both practical and career-oriented and includes courses in computing, business studies, marketing, tourism and hospitality. VTE is also available in Australian schools. (top)

If you wish to come to Australia for a holiday or a short visit, to meet family in Australia or undergo medical treatment, you need a Visitor Visa. A Visitor Visa holder is not permitted to work in Australia, but may study and attend short courses and seminars. If you are an overseas resident and you wish to study at an Australian School or University you will need to apply for a Student Visa. A Student Visa can have limited work rights attached to it on application. If you are a business person who visits Australia regularly to conduct business activities, a multiple entry short stay business visa may be ideal for you. This visa will allow you to conduct business activities in Australia, so long as you don't take up a full-time position with an Australian firm which could otherwise be filled by an Australian resident. Australia companies may sponsor employees for a temporary residence visa lasting up to 4 years. Note that it is a condition of the visa that employees apply for permission from the Department of Immigration before changing position or employer while they are in Australia. If you wish to come to Australia to establish a business, you may be eligible for an Independent Executive visa. This visa allows you to remain in Australia for 4 years and later become a permanent resident through the established business category. If you are over 55 years of age and have sufficient funds to support yourself, you may be eligible for a Retirement visa. This visa will allow you to remain in Australia for 4 years.

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