Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in Australia

These programs might also include an industry internship or — for research higher degree students — a research project component.

During their studies students can expect all of the support services necessary to make their stay easier and most enjoyable. Such services include academic support; computing, careers, employment, and library services as well as accommodation, clubs and societies, sporting, spiritual and religious services and security, legal, disability and medical and health services. Within all states and capital cities there are also a range of community services available including transport, where the costs are reasonable and often partly subsidised as student discounts. In fact, Australia is one of the most affordable places in the world to live and study.

The cost of living is nearly 50 per cent lower than in other global destinations such as Tokyo and London. It is more economical to study in Australia when compared with the United Kingdom, France, China, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore (William M Mercer Cost of Living Survey, 2004). Students need approximately AU$13,000 to $16,000 (per year) to pay for books, accommodation, food, utility, and entertainment in addition to tuition costs. Some of the most popular degrees such as Business, Law and Engineering, can range from AU$18,000 to AU$25,000 per annum.

Working while studying is also optional and a great way to fund sight-seeing adventures across Australia and surrounds. Full-time international students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacation times. Australian universities typically have two semesters a year from February to November with an optional summer semester offered from November to January.

Australian qualifications are in most cases globally recognised and looked upon with eminence because of the nation’s robust quality assurance system enacted through parliamentary legislation that includes key measures, such as the AQF (Australian Quality Framework), ESOS (Educations Services to Overseas Students) and AUQA (Australian Universities Quality Assurance).

In fact, a number of Australian universities are ranked within the top 50 of the world’s most prestigious tertiary institutions (The Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings, 2007). Australia’s appeal as a study abroad destination is also attributed to the country’s dynamic scenery, distinctive natural landscape and wildlife - much which can not be found anywhere else in the world. Griffith University is particularly proud of its natural environment with four of its five campuses located across one of Australia's most naturally picturesque regions, The Brisbane to Gold Coast corridor spans hundreds of hectares of native bushland. International students are always pleasantly surprised to observe the interesting creatures that call the Griffith campuses home.

The flora and fauna surrounding Griffith’s Nathan campus, which is nestled in the heart of the Toohey State Forest - a 260 hectare reserve just 10 kilometres away from Brisbane city (state capital), has provided excellent opportunities for the University to develop early leadership in the areas of Environmental Science including Environmental Planning, Science in Land, and Water Management. Today the Griffith School of Environment has the largest assembly of environmental professionals in any university in Australia and is amongst the largest in the world.

This key school is also a major partner in the recently announced (2007) program on National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, one of only a handful of research institutions around the world focussing specifically on how to adapt to the physical impacts of climate change and variability.

Other standout areas of study in Australia include Teacher Training and Education, Business, Nursing, Health and Sport. Australia has also made a name for itself in the film and television industry offering first-class film and television production facilities and strong, global industry links. In addition it offers hundreds of programs in design, media, multimedia, arts, music, dance and theatre.

The Griffith Film School, a part of Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art, is now the largest film school in Australia (by enrolment) with close links to Warner Roadshow Productions on the Gold Coast and excellent international industry partnerships, including the Innovative Studios and Whistling Woods International Institute for Film, Television and Media Arts, in the heart of Film City Studios, Mumbai, India.

Overall international students enjoy the advantages of studying in Australia which is considered excellent value for money for the quality of education it offers and one of the world’s most welcoming, friendly and safe places to live and study.