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INTRODUCTION

Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990's, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980's. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia is a land of contrasts: sweeping golden beaches,
coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain
ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse deserts.

REASONS for choosing AUSTRALIA:

One of the Best Countries in the World - According to the United Nations Development Programme, Australia is ranked No.3 in the world in the Human Development Index: http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/

The Human Development Index is a summary measure of human development. It measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development:
* A long and healthy life, as measured by life expectancy at birth
* Knowledge, as measured by the adult literacy rate (with two-thirds weight) and the combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrolment ratio (with one-third weight)
* A decent standard of living, as measured by GDP per capita (PPP US$)

English-speaking Country - Australia has the third largest number of international students in the English-speaking world behind the USA and UK. In some countries Australia is the students' first choice study destination. Australian qualifications and institutions are recognized globally for their high quality and excellence. Graduates from Australia are very successful in finding jobs and hold prominent positions worldwide.

World-class Education with affordable cost - Students from all over the world come to Australia to take advantage of our world-class education and enjoy our friendly hospitality and cultural diversity. More than 100 ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Although English is the official language, a host of other languages are spoken in Australia. As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world many Australians are naturally fluent in other languages. A recent Government study found that total costs (tuition fees and living costs) in Australia is much cheaper than studying in US or UK.

International Cuisine - You can experience almost every type of cuisine available throughout the world in our many restaurants in Australia.

Work while Studying - Students on a student visa can work while studying in Australia. During semester, you can work up to 20 hours per week and during vacation you can work full time. Many colleges and universities offer a student employment service to help you find work.

Safe Country - Australia has strict laws that ensure all courses offered to international students are of a high standard and that your tuition fees are protected. Australia has very low crime rates and a safe country compared to almost all other countries in the world.

Full Support - Australia has a long history of teaching international students and Australian institutions are sensitive to your cultural and religious needs as an international student. You will find Australian schools, colleges and universities provide support services to help you adjust to your new environment, living in Australia and successfully completing your studies.