Australian Concept of Education

 Australia

> Pct. population with tertiary education: 38.3%

> Average annual growth rate (2000-2011): 3.1%

> Education expenditure as pct. of GDP: 6.1% (15th lowest)

Australia has been a popular destination for international students for some time. In 2009, more than 25% of the total population in Australia was foreign-born, the highest percentage of any country reviewed by the OECD. According to The Wall St. Journal, however, foreign students’ interest in Australian tertiary education is declining, and Australian universities have restructured their programs to better compete for international students. Recipients of advanced degrees in Australia have a relatively high chance of finding a job. In 2011, Australian adults who completed advanced research programs had among the lowest unemployment rates in the world.