| India: Australian unis take out top three spots |
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12/03/2010 13:57 (701 Day 09:41 minutes ago) | |||||
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The FINANCIAL -- Australia. Despite recent violence, Australian universities make up the top three choices for prospective Indian students, according to research agency TNS’ International Student Research.
The ‘IS Research’ study, which investigates prospective inbound students and the health of Australia’s international education export, found that while safety concerns exist, three in four (73%) Indians considering studying overseas rate Australia as an attractive place to study.
Director with TNS Social Research, Cheryl Reed, said: "The mix of credibility and proximity that Australian universities offers Asia makes our institutions the most attractive out of any for Indian students."
Six Australian universities ranked in the top 10, including Australian National University, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne, which made up the three top spots.
In terms of country of preference for study choice, Australia ranks third with 16% electing it as their first preference, behind the UK, with 24%, and the US, with 19%.
According to Reed, however, country of preference does not always dictate university of preference.
“There are many factors that enter into the consideration set, including reputation, cost, safety and proximity – Australia continues to have the right mix for India.
“Safety issues or racism were mentioned as a concern by one-quarter of the prospective students we spoke to, but recent events have not tarnished the overall perception of Australia.
“When general perceptions of Australia were tested, 39% identified it as a nation welcoming of international students.
“Other positives were reputation for education, climate and quality of universities.”
Prospective Indian students most likely to study at an Australian university, place Engineering, Education, Bachelor and Masters degrees at the top of their consideration sets.
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