Australian universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. Australia is a place where your quality of education is guaranteed. One shall have the opportunity to step outside the classroom and practice ones skills in real and simulated workplaces. This will give him/her a genuine advantage over other graduates.

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects the rights of international students living in Australia on a student visa. It also has a strong focus on tuition and financial assurance for international students.

A student hotline (1300 363 079) has been set up through which students can raise concerns anonymously. Concerns will be collated and published on www.studyinaustralia.gov.au so all students can benefit from the information.

Australia is one of the leading destinations for students who are looking to study abroad, and every year the number of international students increases. 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.

Australians are very friendly and helpful people, with a great sense of humor and a natural ability to tell jokes and play with words. Sometimes we may appear cold because of our "private nature" which has been imported over the past 2 decades, but it just takes time to "break the ice" and everything goes well. Australians tend to follow each other a bit, like sheep on a hill. This happens because of the stability of Australian Institutions and the strong economy. In reality, Australia is considered one of the most competitive nations on Earth.

An outdoor lifestyle and love of sports punctuates Australian life. With more than 80 per cent of Australians living within 50 km of the coast, urban and secluded beaches are popular for leisure and holiday activities. The most popular watched sport in Australia is Australian Rules Football, with rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming, and of course surfing and yachting all popular participant and spectator sports.

Australia has a large multicultural population: approximately 23 per cent of the population is foreign born and almost 40 per cent are of mixed cultural origins. With such a mixture of people, you'll find a rich cultural scene along with a number of literature, arts and crafts, music, theatre and dance festivals celebrating indigenous, colonial and other cultures. Various ethnic groups have contributed to the richness of Australia's cuisine, from Greek to Vietnamese and Cantonese to Indian.

Australia is a big country. Australian cities and towns have excellent public and private transportation systems. Using public transportation is often the cheapest way to get around. The country has an excellent system of roads and bus and train services. However, flying is the best way to cover large distances in a short time.

Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and some of the most beautiful touring routes in the world. An international visitor may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's licence for the same class of vehicle. Taxis are also available.

Coach and bus travel in Australia is comfortable, easy and economical. Coaches generally have air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats and videos. Special passes are available for coaches and buses.

Train travel gives you an insight into Australia's size and diversity, all from the comfort of your carriage. The Spirit of Tasmania runs a passenger and vehicle ferry service between Melbourne and Tasmania at nights. Extra services are run during summer peak times.

Walking is a great way to get around Australian cities.