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Australia is a vibrant economy and a rich cultural melting pot. One of thecornerstones of the development of the once penal colony is the system of

education in Australia. There are many rules regarding schooling in Australiaand it is these rules that help keep the country moving forward towardsgreatness and further prosperity.

Government schools are run by their respective state or territory government.

They technically offer free education; however, schools do ask parents to paya voluntary contribution fee, plus school camps, excursions and

extracurricular activities require additional (voluntary) funding. Privateschools also receive government funding; however, fees charged are muchhigher than those charged to attend government or Catholic schools.

School attendance in Australia is compulsory to children from five years ofage. It is mandated that all citizens and residents are to receive eleven years

of compulsory education. With these particular rules, the adult literacy rate inthe country is at a high 99%. After the basic education of eleven years, thecountry has many government funded universities and educationalinstitutions. This has allowed many individuals to enjoy higher education and

degrees that can help not only themselves but also their families.Australia has an international reputation for excellence in all areas ofeducation and training. Australian schools, academies, colleges anduniversities enjoy an international reputation for excellence. Academic staff in

universities are recruited internationally, and graduates from Australianacademies, colleges and universities are employed all over the world.Australian courses are very high quality and recognized around the world.

Major employers around the world recognize Australian qualifications andemploy graduates with Australian qualifications.

The Australian school system starts with a preparatory year followed by 12years of primary and secondary schooling. Schooling is compulsory until the

age of 16 or completion of Year 10. An additional two years of study arenecessary for those wishing to proceed to tertiary studies. In the final year(Year 12), students can study for a government-endorsed certificate which isrecognized for further study by all Australian universities and vocationaltraining institutions.

Australian universities and Registered Training Organization (RTO) are widelyknown for the quality of their teaching, research and training. Students learnfrom teachers and trainers who are experts in their industries and who canprovide with a sound understanding of students chosen field. Students will

develop strong academic and training skills that can be applied to other areas,and learn to think creatively and independently.

In 2007, the Australian Government announced a $6 billion Higher EducationEndowment fund. This, together with an additional $1.7 billion in funding forother measures, will ensure the development of more world-class universities,

and foster excellence, diversity and specialization in the sector. As part of theEducation Revolution, the Government has also announced that the number ofnational undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships will be doubled over

four years from the start of the 2009 university year. The Australian higher

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education sector consists of 37 public universities and two private universitiesthat are autonomous and self-accrediting; four other self-accrediting higher

education institutions; and about 150 other institutions accredited by stateand territory governments (such as theological colleges and providersspecializing in professional and artistic courses of study). An American

university, Carnegie Mellon, has a branch in Adelaide. Australian universities

have campuses overseas in Malaysia, South Africa and Vietnam. All Australianhigher education institutions have mechanisms in place to ensure that the

high quality of their courses and services is maintained at an internationalstandard.Indeed, financial stability and just leadership leads the country to quality and

success. Australian government is an inspiring model that developingcountries like Philippines, may aspire for.