More and more Americans are choosing to avoid the high costs of a US-based education to obtain their degrees and a world-class education in Australia. And they’re saving up to $AU145,000 in the process.

American applications for visas to study in Australia are up 15% over last year.

“It’s safe. American students get the international perspective they increasingly crave and work hard for a highly respected degree. Plus, who wouldn’t want to go to Australia?” explains Cynthia Banks, Executive Director of AustraLearn, a firm based in Colorado that specialises in Australian education services.

There are currently about 9000 students from the United States studying here in various programs, 26% more students than reported last September (2002). 1761 American students currently pursue full undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Australia.

That equates to about one hundred million Australian dollars just in university fees alone. And that number will grow, according to Ms Banks.

“Value is a driving factor. When American students realise they can get a quality education, save tens of thousands of dollars and experience everything Australia has to offer, it’s very hard to resist,” added Banks who is in Australia over the next week for the ISANA International Education Association Conference (which CQU is helping to stage at Yeppoon).

It costs about $AU 200,000 on average to obtain a Bachelor of Business degree at a private US university. An equivalent degree in Australia is about $AU 55,000. Statistics also show the cost of living for a student in Australia is 30% lower compared to the US.

“But it’s not just a money thing,” said Banks, founder of AustraLearn.

“Learning today must be focused on preparing students for an interconnected world. It’s about being global. Travelling, seeing, doing, being. Students don’t want to solely rely on an enhanced computer modules or textbooks. They want a real interactive experience – they want to dive and study the Great Barrier Reef, first hand,” explains Banks.

Students also find the international perspective on a post 911 world invaluable.

Since 1989 AustraLearn, a non-profit organisation, has arranged for students to study abroad in Australia and New Zealand, enroll in summer programs, undertake custom-designed internships and earn their undergraduate or postgraduate degree at one of 23 different universities in the two countries.