The Andrews Labor Government has introduced new guidelines and initiatives to improve the safety and wellbeing of Victoria’s international student community, as our state’s education economy continues to boom.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today visited some of Victoria’s 175,000 international students at the Study Melbourne Student Centre to discuss the new social and welfare initiatives and how they can better help our international students adapt to their new home during their study experience.
The Labor Government is investing heavily in our international education sector – Victoria’s single largest service export that generates $6.5 billion for the economy and supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state.
Part of this investment is a new interactive and multilingual website, study.melbourne, for current international students to use as a study and social resource, as well as an information tool for prospective students considering study in Victoria.
The LIVE (Lead, Intern, Volunteer, Experience) program, also introduced today, is an initiative aimed at encouraging international students to take up work and intern opportunities within Victorian businesses and organisations during their time here, set to benefit local businesses as well as preparing students for work life.
The Government is also making changes to the guidelines for the International Student Welfare (ISW) program to enhance the wellbeing of international students during their study experience.
Providing $4 million over four years, the guidelines now include two funding options with up to $5,000 for International Student Group activities and grants up to $75,000 for Wellbeing Partnership Activities.
These changes support Victoria’s International Education Sector Strategy, designed to keep us as the number one Australian destination for international students.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“It is vital that we continue enhancing the experience of our international students so Victoria’s education sector keeps its competitive edge and continues to create jobs for our state.”
“Victoria leads the country in international education and these programs are an important part of the Government’s support for the wellbeing and safety of our international student community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020