The positive results of an Australian Government survey in 1999 shows that international students think Australia offers an education experience that makes a real difference.
The survey asked international students what they thought of their Australian education experience. Over 1100 international students, from 63 countries, in 75 Australian institutions participated in the survey that included students enrolled at university, schools and colleges, vocational education and training programs, and English language courses. The survey was an anonymous six-page questionnaire. An examination of the sample shows that the students in the survey were representative of all international students studying in Australia. Some of the findings from the survey are listed below.
First choice of country
Almost 75% of students listed Australia as their first choice of country to study in followed by the United States (15%), United Kingdom (6%), Canada (2%) and New Zealand (2%).
Student recommendations
More than 90% of international students said that they would either "strongly recommend" or "recommend" Australia to other students in their home country. The level of satisfaction among international students studying in Australia has been increasing in comparison to similar surveys that were conducted in 1992 and 1997.
Institution quality
International students studying at Australian institutions were overwhelmingly satisfied with the quality of their institution. Over 88% were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with institutional quality. In addition to overall quality, 77% were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with library facilities, 71% with access to computers and 67% with sporting facilities.
In addition to academic quality, students made positive comments about the social aspects of their institution. About three quarters of the students in the survey were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the social activities at their institution and the way they were treated by the Australian students. Almost 92% were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the opportunities to meet people from other countries.
About a third said that the studies they undertook at their institution would be very helpful in getting them a good job when they returned home and another 44% said that their studies would be quite helpful in getting a good job. Almost 90% of students would either recommend or strongly recommend their course of study to other students in their home country.
Quality of lecturers/teachers
About 90% of students were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the quality of their lecturers or teachers at their institution. Students were equally satisfied with the sensitivity shown by their lecturers/teachers to cultural differences (87%) and the sensitivity shown to students with English language difficulties (84%).
Satisfaction with living in Australia
Australia is perceived throughout the world as a dynamic, vibrant country, whose people are energetic, friendly and confident. This perception was confirmed in the survey responses. Three out of four international students were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the things to do and see in Australia. Four out of five students reported that Australia was a safe place to live and study, and over 80% were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the friendliness of Australians.
Cost of living in Australia
The cost of living is a concern to most students regardless of where a person is studying. In that context, the survey found that the majority of international students studying in Australia (59%) were either "very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the cost of living in Australia. A majority of international students (53%) were also satisfied with the availability of part-time work, and more than one in four students had a job while studying.