The Programme for International Student Assessment, coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), currently ranks Australia's education as the eighth best in the world. More than 400,000 students from around 200 countries receive an Australian education each year. Courses are offered both in Australia and offshore. In addition to long-term courses, many institutions also offer programs that assist international students in their learning, such as ‘foundation studies’ and English-language courses. Significant numbers of students come to Australia from China, India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Students are attracted to the valuable skills, experiences and qualifications offered by an Australian education. Australia is a safe and friendly destination and a sophisticated and technologically advanced society with a reputation for quality, excellence and reliability in education services. Additionally, Australian institutions have established campuses offshore and created innovative partnerships in other countries to deliver courses in students’ home countries.

Generally, education in Australia follows the three-tier model which includes primary education (primary schools), followed by secondary education (secondary schools/high schools) and tertiary education (universities and/or TAFE Colleges).

Each state government manages the school system within their state. This means that they provide funds and regulation for their schools. Each state has a Vocational Education and Training (VET) or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system. VET prepares people for work in a career that does not need a university degree. Each state manages their system and meets at a national level to coordinate their effort. VET is transferable between all states. Study done in one state gains the same status in another state. Typically, a VET/TAFE course takes two years of study.