Friday, 22 June 2012

Friday 22.6 - 2012 The Voice

Congratulations to Karise Eden for winning this year's The Voice (of Australia), and well-done also to Rachael Leahcar for taking out third place overall.  For all the actions and performances, visit The Voice's home page.

Friday, 15 June 2012

Friday 15.6 - Study in Australia Visa Information

Fact Sheet - Government Response to the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program

International education is one of Australia’s largest export sectors, generating income of AUD16.4 billion in 2010–11. International students pay fees to Australian education institutions and spend money on accommodation and other living costs. All of these activities generate more jobs for Australians.

The international education sector also contributes to Australia’s international relations. This is demonstrated not only through dedicated visas for AusAID and Defence students, but through the creation of links with students who return home with an Australian education and experience of Australian life. These relationships lead to a better understanding of Australia internationally and can develop into long-term connections for individuals, businesses and communities.

For these benefits to continue, Australia’s international education sector needs to remain internationally competitive. In an increasingly global world, education is highly sought after and valued. There is a demand for quality educational experiences in English speaking countries from potential students seeking to improve their language abilities and gain a qualification that will assist them in developing their careers.

The Australian Government has made a number of recent reforms to strengthen the international education sector including:

      . implementing the outcomes of the Baird Review of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
      . amendments to the ESOS Act requiring all providers of international education to re-register by the end of 2010
      . the release of the Council of Australian Government’s International Students Strategy for Australia
      . a package of changes that was implemented in April 2011 that included reducing the student visa assessment levels for 38 countries across one or more student visa subclasses
      . the recent announcement to include new English language test providers for student visas.

While these changes are significant, the government recognises that more can be done to make Australia a preferred destination for international students.  

In December 2010, the government appointed the Hon Michael Knight AO to conduct the first independent review of the student visa program to complement the above reforms. Mr Knight reported to the government on 30 June 2011 and a copy of his full report can be viewed or downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) website...'

To read more, visit DIAC's website here 

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Wednesday 13.6 - Australia: The Happiest Country on Earth!

'Australia has been voted the world’s happiest country after topping the OECD's annual Better Life Index, beating Norway and the United States'... Click here to read more.