Known to the Romans as the ‘Unknown Land of the South’, Australia is the world’s smallest continent with a total land area of 7.61 million sq km. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean, Australia ironically indeed is also the largest island on Earth and is made up of many smaller islands like Lord Howe, Macquarie, Fraser, Kangaroo amongst others. A land of sun-baked beaches and dense tropical rainforests, Australia’s biggest appeal lies in its fascinating natural beauty.

Given the vast expanse of this land, climatic differences seem no more a revelation. The northern regions of the country experience tropical climate and as one move southward, it changes to being arid and temperate. Year round temperatures across the continent with regional and seasonal variations fluctuate between 38°C and 1ºC. A look at the economy shows that Australia is no less than any other developed country and at a GDP per capita of $36,300 is raring to grow leaps and bounds even today. A negligible BPL population with a meager 4% unemployment rate and an inflation of 2.3%, the ‘Unknown Land’ of the Roman times has certainly become much known and acknowledged for its enviable economic advancement.

Quick Facts:
Capital:  Canberra
Population:  20,600,856 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality:  Australian(s)
Climate:  Generally arid to semi-arid with tropical in the north and temperate in the south
Languages:  English, Chinese (2.1%), Italian (1.9%) and others
Govt. Type:  Federal parliamentary democracy
Currency:  Australian Dollar (Varies between Rs 39.5 and Rs 42)
Calling Code:  +61
Time Difference:  Divided into 3 time zones (Standard): Eastern Standard Time- 10 hours ahead of UTC/GMT; Central Standard Time- 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of UTC/GMT; Western Standard Time- 8 hours ahead of UTC/GMT (Daylight Saving Time on Standard Time from the 1st Sunday of April until the 1st Sunday in October for those states that adopt the same).

Education System in Australia:
With a motto of ‘Live. Learn. Grow.’ Australia has opened its arms to the worldwide student community. A haven of sorts, students not only gain knowledge from daily classroom teaching but also gather a world of experience from the museums, cultural festivals and innumerable sporting events. Home to world-class universities, Australia proffers courses in disciplines ranging from management studies, medicine, finance, literature, visual arts, astronomy, which is a fraction of an almost exhaustive list of subjects. The distinguished universities include names like the Australian National University, Charles Sturt University, Deakin University, RMIT, Larobe, UTS, UWA, James Cook University, and many others.

Popular courses:
Engineering, computers, business administration, para-medical, science, arts, humanities, social sciences

Benefits of studying here:

• Multicultural society
• High standard of living
• Internationally recognized qualifications
• Recognition of previous studies
• Strong student support services
• Ample of part time job Opportunity

Approximate tuition fees: (in AUD)
Foundation courses: 9,000 to 14,000
Bachelor degree: 13,000 to 20,000
Graduate certificates and diplomas: 9,000 to 16,000
Masters and doctoral degrees: 14,000 to 20,000
Vocational training: 9,000 to 12,000

Approximate living expenses:
Average AUD 250  per week (including sharing accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, telephone)

Work permit options:
International students receive permission to work along with their visa. You are allowed to work 20 hours a week during term and work unlimited hours during term Christmas breaks. But you cannot begin work until your course has started. If any dependants come with you they are also allowed to work 20 hours a week once your course commences. In case you are pursuing a Masters or Doctoral degree your dependants may work unlimited hours.