Australia completes decade of selling education

It has been a call from Down Under for a decade now. It has everything a student needs and in the right proportions "� infrastructure, relaxed atmosphere, right climate and right opportunities. But, all these come about 40 per cent to 60 per cent cheaper than in the US and Britain.

These have been the USP of Australia in trying to attract potential students. IDP Education Australia has completed a decade of promoting Australia as an education destination in India., said Henry Ledlie, director, IDP.

The IDP Education Australia Ltd is an independent not-for-profit organisation owned by 38 universities in Australia and represents all education sectors. IDP provides assistance for education opportunities in Australia, assists with student application and visa processing and facilitates the enrolment of overseas students in Australia.

Today, Australia is a much sought-after study destination, on a par with US and Britain and for many students their first choice destination, said Ledlie. The industry is now worth Australian dollar (A$) 4.5 billion to A$5 billion (about US $4 billion). Now annually over 13,000 students get visas to go to Australia to study.

Indians being welcomed may be testified by the fact that the professors and teachers themselves come to India for conducting interviews. Till now, it was the higher studies and post graduate studies that attracted Indians Down Under.

IDP has been promoting graduate and undergraduate studies. IDP Australia had been the first Australian education organisation to open offices in India. Today Indians make up the largest number of post graduate students. "But, the graduate and undergraduate sector has been growing the fastest," said Henry Ledlie. As compared to 275 to 300 visas in 1995, the number has swelled to 21,000.