Austrade media release

19 Feb 2006


South African students can expect competitively priced fees, a high quality of life, low cost of living, a safe environment and a high quality education according to the Australian Trade Commission who are inviting local students to hear first hand the benefits of studying in Australia at a free seminar on 26 February 2007.

Australian Trade Commissioner to Sub-Saharan Africa, Jay Meek, said that Australia has a track record of producing quality graduates with relevant skills and well-recognised qualifications.

“Part of the reason for Australia’s success in attracting international students is the high international ranking of Australian universities,” Mr Meek said. 

“Six Australian universities are listed in the world’s top 60 and 12 in the top two hundred according to the Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings Survey 2006.”

A 1999 Australian Government survey of international students found that more than 90 per cent would either "strongly recommend" or "recommend" Australia, while 88 per cent would recommend their course and institution, to students from their home countries. The survey included over 1,100 international students, from 63 countries studying at 75 Australian institutions.

“Australia currently hosts more than 8,400 students from Sub-Sahara Africa, who are pursuing courses in a range of academic disciplines,” Mr Meek said. 

“Australia has the largest proportion of international tertiary students per head of university student population of any of the major providers of international education in the world - demonstrating the continuing international confidence in the quality of the education.

"Our free seminars are lead by educational experts who will showcase the quality and breadth of learning opportunities available in Australia," he said.

Details:
1pm, Monday 26 February 2007
Innovation Hub, Pretoria

5pm Monday 26 February 2007
St Johns College, Houghton

More information at www.austudy-africa.com

Media representatives are welcome to attend the exhibitions to speak with representatives from Australian universities and Australian Government officials.

Jay Meek, Australian Trade Commissioner to Sub-Saharan Africa, is available for media interviews.

ENDS

Media contact

Samantha Mattila
Tel: +61 2 9390 2388
Mobile: +61 434 567 673
samantha.mattila@austrade.gov.au

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au/mediacentre.