Australia is a unique and diverse country in every way – in culture, population, climate, geography, and history. Australian culture is as broad and varied as the country’s landscape. Australia is multicultural and multiracial and this is reflected in the country’s food, lifestyle and cultural practices and experience. Australia has an important heritage from its indigenous people, which plays a defining role in the cultural landscape. This diversity of influences creates a cultural environment in Australia that is lively, energised, innovative and outward looking.

As of December 2014, Australia’s population was approximately 23.6 million people. The most populous states are New South Wales and Victoria, with their respective capitals, Sydney and Melbourne. Australia is an island continent and the world’s sixth largest country (7,682,300 sq km). The country is lying between the Indian and Pacific oceans and is approximately 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south, with a coastline 36,735 km long. Canberra is Australia’s capital city. With a population of approximately 380,000 people and situated in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is roughly half way between the two largest cities Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia has 19 listed World Heritage properties. Australia is also famous for its landmark buildings including the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Australia follows a Westminster system of government and law inherited from the British who originally colonised the country.

Australia has, in recent years, become one of the most preferred destinations of Indian students for pursuing higher studies, and every year the number of students are increasing. The low cost of living and tuition fees and excellent lifestyle and weather are the major reasons for the popularity of Australia as a study abroad destination. India continues to be the second-largest source country for international student enrolments in Australia.

Australia has seven of the top 100 universities in the world! In fact, with over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions, Australia sits above the likes of Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, ranking eighth in the Universitas 2012 U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems.

Currently, this ‘land of kangaroos’ houses the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world after the US and the UK. The other added advantages for this country in the Asia Pacific Rim include paid internships while studying. All these factors have made Australia one of the most popular locations for international students. It is home to approximately 38,4000 international students from over 140 countries in disciplines at every level of education, including short-term English language courses, Bachelor and Masters Degrees right through to Doctoral.

Australia has five of the 30 best cities in the world for students based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity – all important elements for students when choosing the best study destination. And with more than A$200 million provided by the Australian Government each year in international scholarships, we’re making it easier for you to come and experience the difference an Australian education can make to your future career opportunities.

This country holds the reputation for adopting new technologies at a faster rate in comparison to most other countries. Most courses and training undertaken by international students in Australia are covered by Australian Qualification Framework (AQF); a system of learning that is authorized by the Australian government. It links Australian schools, vocational and higher education qualifications into a simple coherent structure of 15 nationally-recognized education and training awards