Why Australia?

I highlighted the need to do an MBA for me now lets have a look at Why Australia?.

Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world (geographically), the only one to occupy an entire continent, and the largest in the region of Australasia. Australia includes the island of Tasmania, which is an Australian State. Its neighbouring countries include New Zealand to the southeast; and Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor to its north. The name 'Australia' comes from the Latin phrase terra australis incognita ("unknown southern land", see Terra Australis). The word "Australia" is pronounced by locals as either @"streIlI@ or @"streIj@ (SAMPA), əˈstɹeɪlɪə or əˈstɹeɪjə (IPA). [Wikipedia]

The Environment

Australia is a beautiful country. This is a known fact. A survey conducted by the Economist for the top cities to live in the world for expats, five cities from Australia were part of the top 10 cities. Considering that there are only 7 major cities in Australia this is major acievement. Australia has has also taken great pains in increasing its population by the way of planned migration after world war II the population increased from 7 million to its current 20 million. Considering that cities like Bombay or Shanghai or the Indian state of Assam have similar populations it is not much. In fact that makes all the difference for Australia. With a density of 3/km2 , it is one of the most sparsely populated regions of the world.

Australia is also a great tourist destination with attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and the bushlands in Queensland. Australia is also famous for its horse races. The Melbourne Cup carries with it the largest prize amount in the world.

The Economy

Australia is also a well managed & developed economy. Australia has a per capita income of $26631 making it the 19th largest in the world or 14th largest when meausured in terms of PPP. Australia has also a very stable economic growth in the last few years and is generally not effected by the external world very much. Add to it the inflation levels and a very strong social security it is definitetly a good place to live in. In terms of Economic Freedom it stands 10th place in the world. Economic Freedom gives us an indication of the ease of starting and running a business which favours well for Entrepreneurs.

Since the recession "Australia had to have" (P. Keating) in the early 1990s, the Australian economy has not suffered a recession or "trough" in the business cycle in 11 years. Even the downturn of the early 2000s did not affect its consistent GDP growth. [Wikipedia]

People

Australia has a diverse set of people.

In 1901, 23% of Australia's population was overseas-born. Since the end of World War II, Australia has experienced large yearly increases in population due to a combination of high fertility and high levels of migration. In 1947 the proportion of the population born overseas was 10%, and by 1991, this proportion had increased to 24% (table 5.37). In 2001 the number of overseas-born Australians was 4.5 million, or 23% of the total population. Over the past 100 years, the range of countries of birth has increased substantially. [Year book Australia]

Australia is also ranked a high third in the Human Development Index.

Higher Education

The first Australian university was the University of Sydney, founded in 1850 in New South Wales. Three years later the University of Melbourne was established by the Colony of Victoria. By 1912 a university had been founded in each State: the University of Adelaide in South Australia in 1874, the University of Tasmania in 1890, the University of Queensland in 1909 and the University of Western Australia in 1911. The decades since World War II have seen a substantial expansion of Australian higher education. [AEI]

There are forty-three Australian universities. They are both teaching and research institutions. A full range of academic and professional disciplines is offered with awards ranging from associate diploma to doctorate being offered.

Many universities have a multi-campus structure, with each campus specialising in a particular discipline. Regional universities, some offering specialised courses, provide a full tertiary experience with students residing on campus and participating in local activities.

The standard, design and diversity of education offered by Australian universities are among the most effective in the world. On average, an undergraduate degree lasts from between three up to six years for a double degree with honours. [IMMI]

It is estimated that over 180,000 students from about 140 countries chose Australia as their preferred overseas study destination in 2000. [StudyinAustralia.gov.au]

Note : For International Students, check out the study in australia site and also the Dept. of Immigration.

AQF

Distinguishing Australia from many other countries is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is a national system of learning pathways covering 12 different qualifications and linking universities, vocational education and training, and school education.

The AQF allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next and from one institution to another as long as they satisfy student visa requirements. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) enables students to receive credit toward a qualification for knowledge and skills gained through previous study, training, work and life experience. Even if students partially complete an AQF qualification they are issued with a Statement of Attainment.

Once the status of existing qualifications is established the AQF means students can choose from appropriate level courses anywhere in Australia. The AQF also provides more flexibility in career planning and encourages continuous learning to help you through any career and lifestyle changes you make in your lifetime.

Why study an MBA in Australia?

There are two fundamental reasons for studying an MBA in Australia:

· Australia offers internationally recognised MBAs at prestigious universities;

· Australia offers a host of other advantages for students.

To appreciate the significance of the first point, it is necessary to explore briefly the meaning of the term 'good MBA'. At one extreme, it is possible in some countries to acquire an 'MBA' certificate through the mail by spending a few hundred dollars. Such 'MBAs' are obviously not worth the paper they are written on, and any employer duped into hiring such a person would soon learn their mistake and act accordingly. At the other end of the spectrum are MBAs acquired on the basis of diligent study and participation over a period of at least 16 months, within a rich learning environment at an internationally-recognised management school within a prestigious university. The difference between these two experiences lies in the changes that they effect within the student.

A good MBA will develop the individual significantly, including their capacity to work as an effective team member, to lead others, and to be effective in interpersonal relationships through enhanced self-confidence, communication, presentation and negotiation skills. In addition, his or her capacity to diagnose the changes required to achieve business success and the power to implement these changes will be increased dramatically. By contrast, a poor MBA will effect none of these changes within the individual, and thus individual performance will be poor.

Australian MBA Programs

Particularly within its capital cities, Australia possesses a large number of MBA programs which meet the above criteria for providing a good MBA. Very early in its history, Australia inherited the British academic tradition of rigorous inquiry and adherence to high academic standards. Australia's oldest universities in particular are internationally-renowned for their very high standards of research and teaching.

Currently, a total of 55 Australian universities offer MBA programs. The prevailing model at the better institutions is the 'Harvard style' MBA, which provides around 16 diverse business related subjects, delivered over a period of 16 months to 2 years of full-time study. The shorter (16 month) program is delivered by institutions who have adopted the trimester system as a means to reduce the opportunity cost of an MBA to its students. Students may also study part-time, and most choose to do so. [Transworldeducation]