To improve the quality of schooling nationally, the Australian Government is working with states, territories and non-government education providers as part of a shared commitment to achieve results.

Driving this commitment is a belief that all children deserve an education that meets their needs regardless of what school they go to or where they live.

The Education Revolution is being implemented through increased funding to government and non-government schools, an unprecedented investment in school infrastructure and a wide ranging reform agenda.

The Government is investing a record $63.5 billion in Australian schools from 2009-2012. This almost doubles the previous $33.5 billion commitment to funding and infrastructure and represents an 87 per cent increase over the previous four-year period.

Ensuring that the needs of all students are catered for means providing world-class enabling infrastructure through initiatives such as the $2.2 billion Digital Education Revolution, the $2.5 billion Trade Training Centres Program and the $16.2 billion Building the Education Revolution.

Quality education means starting with foundation skills such as literacy and numeracy, being taught by high-quality teachers, and supporting disadvantaged students. These three areas are being addressed through the three Smarter Schools National Partnerships.

Students, schools and parents are being further supported by transparency in school performance data, reporting and assessment, and the development of world-class national curriculum. Australia has a national curriculum framework to ensure high academic standards across the country. All schools provide subjects in the eight key learning areas: English, mathematics, studies of the society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other Than English, technology, and personal development, health and physical education. Schools have English language programs for international students to support their studies.

These learning areas are complemented by a social justice theme of tolerance towards other cultures. All school students are taught the value of cultural and linguistic diversity. They’re also encouraged to actively contribute to and benefit from diversity, and to do this in the Australian community and abroad.

International education is a key priority for the Australian Government, both in terms of national interest and global influence.

As an industry, international education is now Australia’s biggest services export, with almost 460 000 enrolments in Australia (from around 372 000 students) across the four sectors of Australian international education (higher education, vocational education and training, English language and secondary schools). Note: Enrolments are higher than student numbers because a student may enrol in more than one course in a year.

International education contributes to Australian diplomatic efforts, with bilateral and multilateral agreements improving regional stability and long‑term security. Over a million international alumni have studied in Australia and returned home, helping to raise the profile of Australia’s abilities, attributes and advantages.

As an opportunity for continuous improvement, international education provides a global benchmark, ensuring that Australia keeps pace with other countries, learning from international developments, building intellectual and research capital, and creating long-lasting links between individuals and institutions.

Whatever your level of English, an English language college will have a program to meet your needs. Most colleges have video facilities, libraries and computer-assisted learning. They also have ‘language laboratories’, which are similar to ‘English corner’ sessions overseas.

There are five main types of English courses taught in Australia:

General English – this course focuses on the development of communication skills, particularly speaking and listening.

English for Academic Purposes – this course will prepare you for study at an English-speaking university or a vocational institute.

English for Specific Purposes – these courses focus on practical English for specific course areas, including English for Business, Aviation, or Tourism.

Secondary School Preparation – this course will develop your English for entry into an Australian secondary school.

Examination Preparation – these courses will prepare you for English language proficiency examinations, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Cambridge Certificates.

You can enrol in English language courses at any time of the year. Full-time courses range from four weeks to 48 weeks. Expect to spend about 25 hours a week studying, including time spent in class and studying on your own.

If you want an Australian education but can’t travel here to receive it, you’ll be pleased to hear that many Australian institutions now provide education and training to students living outside of Australia. Some of these institutions have established their own campuses in other countries, while others offer courses in partnership with overseas institutions.