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Australia is an internationally recognised source of high quality education and research excellence. The international standard universities, colleges, schools and vocational training institutes make Australia one of the top three English speaking destinations for international students. Over a period of ten years from 1994 to 2003, nearly 1.7 million international students from 200 countries enrolled in Australian institutions to pursue goals of higher education.
Bangladesh the 12th ranked source of international students for Australia. In 2004, there was a record 6,500 student enrolments from Bangladesh at Australia's education institutions -- marking a 30 percent increase in the number of enrolments in 2003. Of these, 3,400 were higher education enrolments at 40 Australian universities. The rest took advantage of Australia's internationally reputed vocational education institutions and English language colleges. This indicates that the people to people linkages between Australia and Bangladesh are certain to strengthen in the future and also reflects the strong bilateral relationship that exists between the two countries.
The students from Bangladesh were also joined by another 320,000 international students at the 1,200 Australian education institutions offering courses for international students. The students chose Australia to be their study destination as they recognised the wide variety of opportunities which the first class facilities for teaching, training and research facilities provide. These facilities include sophisticated laboratories, classrooms, computer centres and libraries - and the world-wide reputation of an Australian education qualification.
Australia provides the added advantage in that it enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world at a relatively lower cost. Australian education is also highly competitive when the costs of other popular student destinations are compared. Australian Government offers international students unique protections through its Education Services for Overseas Students Act. That legislation requires the registration of each and every course and institution open to international students applying for a student visa and protects the tuition fees paid by those students. Students are guaranteed of acquiring a recognised Australian qualification from a fully accredited Australian education institution.
Multicultural Australia is a safe, friendly and sophisticated society in which international students can learn and travel in an English speaking country. More than 100 ethnic groups harmoniously coexist in Australia, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The multicultural nature of the society readily accepts international students and helps them adjust to the Australian way of life. Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that these students bring to the Australian campuses and communities.
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