Educational Opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

CEBU, Philippines - Discerning students naturally prefer schools that are highly regarded both in the Philippines and in the global marketplace. In fact, many Filipino students are now exploring study pathways abroad to enrich their educational experience, as well as take advantage of new technologies and innovative approaches. A good educational foundation is always an edge and a significant determinant of future success.

Australia and New Zealand (NZ) are among the world’s favorite academic destinations today.  Australia ranks third best worldwide; New Zealand an emerging preference. The NZ educational system was ranked No. 1 last year, by the London-based charitable policy think-tank Legatum Institute.

Australia’s standards of education are comparable to those of the United States and the United Kingdom, globally ranked first and second, respectively, while living costs for students have remained considerably less expensive.  It is no surprise, thus, that the country had an international student population of over half a million in 2013, which is expected to continually grow further.

An international student in Australia enjoys many privileges – rich cultural diversity, exposure to world-renowned tourist sights, an English-speaking community, and a safe environment. With various government agencies and laws regulating different facets of the education spectrum, Australia is able to ensure the wellbeing of all international students, maintain the high quality of educational experience, and provide up-to-date and accurate information. 

Laws such as Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act of 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 provide nationally consistent standards for academic institutions to follow and safeguard enrollees from overseas. 

Qualified university-trained and specialist teachers help students develop their skills and advance in the world marketplace. The focus is not on classroom lectures where learners sit passively listening, but on the application of concepts and theories to real situations.

In NZ, across the Tasman Sea, students enjoy a comparable quality of life, and similar benefits. 

Like in Australia, academic certificates and diplomas earned from universities and technical and further education (TAFE) institutions in NZ are highly regarded worldwide. New Zealand universities, including the popular University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, University of Waikato and Auckland University of Technology, are among the world’s top 500 in the widely-read university rating system QS World University Rankings 2012/13. There are 20 institutes of polytechnics and technology which are also highly-respected globally.

New Zealand has breathtaking sights, vibrant cities, a diverse culture and an outdoor-oriented, but, high- quality lifestyle.

Students and other interested parties may know more about Australia and New Zealand during the Australia and New Zealand Education Exhibition 2014 on Sunday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu City. Admission to the exhibition is free. Pre-registration is encouraged; one may log on to: www.philippines.idp.com/ANZ2014.

The event is organized by IDP Education Pty., Ltd., co-owner of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and one of the world’s largest student placement services providers.