Country tops list of most costly study destinations

Australia is the most expensive country for overseas students, with a combined average cost of university fees and living costs totalling more than US$38,000 per year. Despite this, Australia has remained one of the most popular destinations for international students, with numbers likely to be further boosted by the continuing fall in the Australian dollar and improved visa processing, writes Ray Clancy for Expat Forum.

The research by HSBC, which reviewed data on higher education in 13 countries, puts the United States as the second most costly country with average annual costs over US$35,000 and the UK third with $30,000. Graham Heunis, head of retail banking and wealth management for HSBC in Australia, said the strength of the Australian economy and the Australian currency has kept the cost of studying in Australia high relative to other markets.

The Australian education sector suffered a 12% drop in international enrolments between 2009 and 2012 but has nevertheless remained a popular destination for international students, with a 2011 study showing 21% of Australia’s entire student population was from overseas, proportionately higher than the UK, Canada and the US at 18%, 13% and 3% respectively.
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