According to the Australian Government, Australia continues to benefit from its multicultural make-up - one of the most diverse in the world - enjoying a wealth of ideas, cuisines and lifestyles.

The last census reported that 23% of the population is foreign-born, and over 40% of Australians are of mixed cultural origins. Every four minutes and eight seconds Australia gains another international immigrant.

Many foreign-born Australians came from Italy and Greece after WWII, but recent immigrants have mostly come from New Zealand and the UK, as well as China, Vietnam, Africa and India, among many other places. Some 2.2% of the population identifies itself as of Aboriginal origin and most live in the Northern Territory. Australia's other Indigenous people, Torres Strait Islanders, are primarily a Melanesian people, living in north Queensland and on the islands of the Torres Strait between Cape York and Papua New Guinea.

In general, Australians do not express extreme views and are relaxed and friendly people. There is a major focus on recreation and sports. Also, Australian's spend much of their free time out-doors engaging in recreational activities such as bar-b-ques, shopping, travelling and attending sport and arts events and concerts.

Due to the broad cultural mix, most types of food are available including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian and most European foods both in shops and in restaurants.

As an international student in Australia, you will find our broad cultural mix a comfortable and friendly environment in which to live and study.