According to surveys, 94% of individuals who immigrated to Australia in the past five years express an optimistic outlook on their life prospects in Australia. Many overseas immigrants cite the quality of life in Australia as one of the main reasons for their decision to immigrate, noting a balance between work and life that makes it a livable place. This article reviews various reasons why Australia attracts immigrants from all aspects of life.
1. World-Class Universities
It is often said that a country's educational strength is primarily judged by its universities. Australia's renowned Group of Eight universities attract numerous international students from around the world. According to the QS World University Rankings for higher education in 2016, the top ten universities in Australia include: Australian National University (22nd), University of Melbourne (42nd), University of Sydney (46th), University of New South Wales (49th), University of Queensland (51st), Monash University (65th), University of Western Australia (102nd), University of Adelaide (125th), University of Technology Sydney, and University of Wollongong. Almost all of Australia's Group of Eight universities are ranked within the top one hundred globally and are distributed across different states in Australia, allowing international students and new immigrants to choose their preferred universities based on personal preferences and lifestyle habits.
2. High Salary Levels
According to SEEK data, the average pre-tax salary across Australia in 2016 was AUD 80,196 (approximately 400,000 RMB). A report released by ConvergEx Group in 2013 indicated that Australia's hourly wage reached USD 16.88, ranking it first in the world!
3. Suitable for Human Development
How suitable is Australia for human development? Australia has ranked second in the Human Development Index for many consecutive years! Countries and regions with high human development indices indicate that development is not just about increased income, but more importantly, about enabling people to live healthy and dignified lives.
4. Excellent Quality of Life
Australia has been recognized as one of the countries with the best quality of life among OECD member countries for three consecutive years! Experts comment that if you want to live a happy and fulfilling life, you should go to Australia.
The OECD's survey data on quality of life and public happiness includes 11 aspects: housing conditions, household income, work, community environment, education, natural environment, civic engagement, health, life satisfaction, safety, and work-life balance.
The 2015 survey index indicated that the average disposable income for Australian households was USD 31,588, and the average net financial assets for households were USD 47,657. In terms of life satisfaction, over 80% of Australians believe that the positive experiences they encounter daily outweigh the negative ones (ease, sense of achievement, happiness) compared to negative experiences (pain, sadness, anxiety, boredom). The life satisfaction index for Australians is 7.2.
5. Clean Government
The integrity of the government is one of the most critical factors affecting a country's development, directly related to the fundamental interests of its citizens! According to the 2015 Global Corruption Index, Australia ranked 13th! Among the more than 100 countries participating in the ranking, Australia has consistently been in the top tier.
6. High Happiness Index
The World Happiness Report annually reflects the overall happiness level of a society based on six elements: GDP, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom, and corruption levels. The higher the happiness index, the more comfortable life and learning become. In 2016, Australia ranked ninth in happiness index.
7. Suitable for Chinese Immigrants
Forbes has ranked the top ten countries suitable for Chinese immigrants, with Sweden taking the first place due to its wealth, welfare, longevity, and social progress. Australia follows closely due to its warm climate, beach culture, and fresh air.
8. Suitable for Children to Grow Up
After immigrating to Australia, we inevitably establish families and raise children. The importance that Chinese people place on the growth of the next generation is unquestionable. Australia has a relatively comprehensive social welfare system that provides excellent care for children! According to the Intelligence Unit of The Economist magazine, Australia was ranked second among the ten best countries for children to be born in, with Switzerland taking the first place!
9. High Livability Index
According to the latest rankings by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2016, Melbourne, Australia, has been named the most livable city in the world for six consecutive years. The Economist Intelligence Unit evaluates over 140 major cities worldwide based on healthcare, education, public safety, culture, environment, and infrastructure. With a perfect score of 100, Melbourne scored 97.5, slightly higher than Vienna, the capital of Austria. Adelaide, Australia, is tied for fifth place with Calgary, Canada, while Perth, Australia, ranks seventh.
10. Comprehensive Welfare System
Australia is one of the countries with the most comprehensive welfare systems. After immigrating to Australia, individuals can enjoy a variety of welfare benefits, including: free healthcare, baby bonuses, kindergarten subsidies, paid maternity leave, childcare allowances, free education, unemployment benefits, low-income family assistance, home purchase assistance, student loans, and more.