Australia is an increasingly popular destination for international students and researchers. All Australian states and territories offer quality education at all levels (school, vocational education and training, higher education, English and short courses). Australia has a very strong quality assurance framework, including two national regulators whose role is to maintain national public registers of all Australian higher education and vocational education and training providers that meet national quality standards.
In Australia you will experience a unique approach to education – a learning style that encourages innovative, critical, and independent thinking. You will build valuable skills to give yourself a competitive advantage over your peers – academically, personally and professionally.
Choosing an Australian course
If you are interested in studying in Australia, please refer to the Study in Australia website, where you can search for courses, institutions and scholarships, read about studying and living in Australia, watch stories from other students, and learn about Australian education. This is an official Australian Government website for international students managed by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
If you are interested in finding out more about your proposed course of study, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is the official Australian Government website listing all approved Australian education providers and the courses they offer.
Enquiries about courses, eligibility requirements and the progress of applications should be directed to individual institutions.
Scholarships – Australia Awards
The Australian Government offers a number of scholarships to Cambodian students each year.
The Australia Awards Scholarships, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, provide opportunities for Cambodians to undertake full time post graduate study at a range of tertiary institutions in Australia.
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) administers two Fellowships:
- John Allwright Fellowship provides the opportunity for partner country scientists involved in ACIAR supported collaborative research projects to obtain post graduate qualifications at an Australian tertiary institution.
- John Dillon Fellowship provides career development opportunities for young agricultural scientists from ACIAR partner countries who are involved in a current or recently completed ACIAR project.
Considering using an Education Agent
If you have decided to study in Australia, but need help with the application process, you may consider using an education agent. It is not compulsory to use an education agent. If you decide to use an education agent, it is important that you select an education agent who is qualified to assist you.
By Australian law, all Australian education institutions, including through their education agents, are required to provide you with accurate up-to-date information on:
- the Australian education system;
- education and training providers in Australia; and
- living in Australia (e.g. the cost of living, accommodation options, transport, health, etc.)
Here is a Guide to Choosing an Education Agent.
Student visas
Student visa information is available here.
Living in Australia
Information about Living in Australia is available here.
Consumer Protection
Australia has one of the most effective international student protection arrangements in the world.
The Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act outlines consumer protection provisions for international students enrolled in courses in Australia. This includes the Tuition Protection Service which will help you find a suitable alternative course or pay a refund in the unlikely event that your education provider is unable to deliver the course you have enrolled in.
The ESOS framework also protects the interests of international students by setting out standards, roles and responsibilities for education institutions that teach overseas students. Australia also has an Overseas Students Ombudsman to investigate any external complaints from international students attending private education institutions. More information about consumer protection for international students in Australia is available here.
Australian Alumni
We encourage all Cambodians who have studied in Australia to join the Australian Alumni Association of Cambodia (AAA-C).
The AAA-C connects all Cambodians who have studied in Australia, whether self-funded or through a scholarship. The AAA-C hosts a series of professional development and thematic workshops throughout the year and it provides a platform for its members to build and develop their personal and professional networks.
Australian education institutions
If you are an Australian education and training provider and you are interested in learning more about the Cambodian education market, the Austrade education website has a Cambodian education market profile, which highlights the key opportunities and challenges of operating in Cambodia. If you have any questions or would like further information about the Cambodian education market, please contact the Australian Embassy Phnom Penh [email protected].