Background

The AEC was established in 1997 as an independent organization to offer students quality programs at direct enrollment prices (initially to Australia, now to also include New Zealand). Affordability has been the cornerstone of the Mission of the organization. Evidence of the emphasis we place on affordability can be seen in AEC program pricing and services Whilst there have been operational changes along the way, the original mission of the AEC has not changed. It is a unique organization - it operates almost as a non-profit. (For example, the organization's income is shared by its small staff.)

The My Study Australia website was introduced in 2005 as a means of providing prospective students the most up to date information on the AEC Program.

Mission Statement

Our objective is to manage the AEC study abroad business with integrity and to provide students with quality study abroad opportunities at Australian/New Zealand universities at affordable prices. We meet our objectives, by offering direct enrollment so that students can undertake a quality academic program at an accredited Australian or New Zealand university at the university's advertised tuition fees. (Note we currently work with only one university in New Zealand - it is not due to a lack of trying, it is simply a business decision to develop the New Zealand partnerships slowly.) As our university partners in Australia and New Zealand offer an extensive array of services after arrival, we do not duplicate services. Instead we recognize the ability of our Host Universities to deliver in-country service. AEC therefore focuses its attention on providing students all the support necessary to get them to Australia and New Zealand. Of course we are available also in the Host country and contactable for on the ground support when necessary. We will also be available to you when you return home and require your transcript. Indeed we have other opportunities available for returning students.

Whilst we understand that study abroad has evolved into big business in the globalized world, our aim is to provide students quality Australian and New Zealand university programs at direct enrollment prices backed by good service. We realize our work influences the direction that students take in their lives so we do all we can to provide students with the best possible options to follow their individual goals. That is why we offer individualized service and we place emphasis on professional standards and ethics.

Our aim is to make the My Study Australia website as comprehensive as possible so that it can truly meet the needs of students.

What we do and why we do it?

By placing an emphasis on affordability, the AEC believes it addresses the issue of equity and access so that students from all socio economic backgrounds can afford to study abroad. Our policies also ensure that outlays from financial aid and parents are kept to a minimum so that even more students can afford to study abroad. Clearly the advantages of undertaking a study abroad program through the AEC cannot be understated.

Students from over 400 US universities have participated in the AEC Study Abroad Program. We support a number of organizations through memberships or donations - example NAFSA: Association of International Educators, whose work as an umbrella organization for the international education industry is well recognized.

Experience in Student Services

It is worth noting the caliber of the people that manage the AEC Program. The AEC is essentially an Australian organization which was established 14 years ago (1997) and is managed by Australians who have an outstanding knowledge of the region, the education system and Australian universities. There is currently an option of one university in New Zealand. 

The AEC was set up by Joyce Noronha who was well known for her work in the area of student services, particularly during the time that she worked with international students in Australia. Joyce saw value in offering North American students a direct enrolment service that would ensure affordability whilst providing all support services to students on behalf of Australian universities.  Joyce left the AEC to return to Australia and the work she commenced in 1997 continues today by a team of Australians who continue to provide the same level of personalized service to students wanting to study in Australia.

The AEC currently manages relationships with approximately 26 Australian universities. This provides North American students with a cross section of universities in just about every city in Australia.