Australia has emerged as the third-largest educational destination for international students. It offers 22,000 courses at 1,100 institutions with six universities currently ranked among the top 100 in the world.
So just what is the appeal?
The Lucky Country
It seems that affordable fees and cheaper living costs (compared with other Western nations such as the UK and USA), without having to compromise the quality of education and living standards, could make up a significant part of the appeal.
Many associate Australia as the lucky country, with 'G'day' to greet you, serene beaches, sunshine, rejuvenating fresh air and tropical rainforests bordered by deep blue seas.
For many foreign students, the quality of life provides the best of both worlds in terms of higher living standards and affordable world-class education.
Rates alongside the world's best
Despite the fact that both the UK and the USA are home to the world's best and most prestige schools and colleges, Australia remains a popular destination for international students with numbers rapidly increasing every year and doubling in the last decade.
Now, the question arises why Australia is still the preferred destination for Asians when competing with world giants like the UK and the USA.
Source: Pixabay
Quality of Life
Three major cities of Australia are in the top ten list of world's most liveable cities' according to The Economist's Annual Global Liveability survey. Melbourne is the second most liveable city in the world with two other toppers are Sydney (3rd.) and Adelaide (10th.). Neither the UK or the USA have earnt even near this chart rating. Furthermore, Australia prides itself on achieving four best student cities out of 25. Foremost reason for this growth is that since the 2000s, Australia has emerged as the third-largest educational destination for international students offering 22,000 courses at 1,100 institutions with six universities currently ranked among the top 100 in the world at affordable fees and cheaper living costs when compared with the UK and USA, without having to compromise the quality of education and living standards.
Source: Pixabay
Earning potential
Secondly, students can work 40 hours per fortnight - which is consistent with the other two countries - however, the minimum hourly wage rate is much better than many OECD countries and especially the UK and USA.
According to Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) 2019 'THE GLOBAL LIVEABILITY INDEX 2019' the process for permanent settlement in the UK and the USA is much more complicated and in most cases wishful for students upon completion of their studies. Melbourne is the second most liveable city in the world after Vienna (Austria) and two other Australian cities Sydney (in third) and Adelaide (tenth) are also in the top ten liveable cities of the world.
Higher chance of settlement
Registered migration Agent Shahbaz Chattha says "Considering our experience in the industry and clientele expectation, we believe that the most significant factor for coming to study in Australia has been with the ultimate goal of settling here permanently"
We have not a single case where a successful PR applicant left Australia
Chattha explains that permanent settlement for students in Australia is quite achievable for two reasons, first, if a student is or has studied a course listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)"
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) which is released annually by the Australian Government lists all the qualifications that will allow professionals in those fields to apply for the 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional Visa) and 485 (Graduate Temporary Visa) visas.
Career opportunities
Chattha names the other main reason as, "Secondly, if they have secured a job offer from an employer who is ready to sponsor them to bridge their skill shortage."
A report compiled by GNC Consulting Australia says that Australia offers the best post-study work visa and subsequent permanent settlement options based on its world-renowned and acclaimed point system which are matchless to UK and USA.
For instance, students would qualify for post-study work arrangements ranging from 18 months to three or four years depending upon the completion of studies without having to leave Australia.
Whereas since, 12 November 2015, students are not be permitted to apply for a work visa at the conclusion of their studies unless they first leave the UK and subsequently apply for a visa extending a total of two years.
Furthermore, the process for permanent settlement in the UK and USA is much more complicated and in many cases, simply a pipe dream for students upon completion of their studies.
