Australia is a country in the Northern Hemisphere that comprises of the mainland of Australian continent,the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is considered to be the world’s sixth-largest country by total area. It has six states that includes New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia.It has two major mainland territories,the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a federal division of powers. Parliamentary system of government is in use with Queen Elizabeth II at its apex as the Queen of Australia.
Australia is a highly developed and wealthiest country.It is the world’s 12th largest country with the 2nd highest HDI (Human Development Index), Australia ranks high in position in many international comparisons of national performance,such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.
Australia has a free-market economy with high GDP per capita and low rate of poverty. The currency of Australia is Australian (AUD). After the 2006 merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange, the Australian Securities Exchange is now the 9th largest in the world.It has been Ranked 3rd in the Index of Economic Freedom (2010). Australia has the world’s 13th largest economy and belongs in the 5th highest position of per capita income; higher than that of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada and Japan, and on par with that of the United States.
An emphasis on exporting commodities rather than manufactured goods has underpinned a significant increase in Australia’s terms of trade since the start of the century, due to rising commodity prices.
The unemployment rate in Australia is very low(4.6%). The service sector of the economy including tourism, education, and financial services, accounts for 69% of GDP. Although agriculture and natural resources account for only 3% and 5% of GDP respectively, they contribute substantially to export performance. Australia’s largest export markets are Japan, China, US, South Korea, and New Zealand.
The variety of Australia’s geography, ecology, vegetation and landforms has given rise to a wide variety of climates throughout the country. Average winter and summer high temperatures across Australia differ according to the location. The climate of Australia is significantly influenced by ocean currents which cause rainfall to vary markedly from year to year. Much of the northern part of the country has a tropical predominantly summer rainfall (monsoon) climate. Just under three quarters of Australia lies within a desert or semi-arid zone. The southwest corner of the state has a Mediterranean climate. Much of the southeast (including Tasmania) is temperate.
A full-time student can also work on a work placement as part of the course.
A student can earn from $16 – $25 per hour i.e. $1,280 – $2,000 per month.
After the successful completion of a Bachelors or Masters, a student can apply for a 2 year Post-Study Work Permit.