Victoria’s world renowned international education sector is growing rapidly and now supports almost 58,000 jobs across Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria.
The sector is vital to the state’s economy – it accounts for 43 per cent of Victoria's services exports and generated a record $9.1 billion in export revenue in 2016/17, up from $7.8 billion the previous financial year.
The Andrews Labor Government recognises the value of international education and is attracting more students and creating new partnerships with educational institutions across the region.
Last year Victoria attracted around 175,000 international students from over 160 different countries. Recent trends suggest this figure will increase in 2017, with growth rates outperforming others states and the
national average.
Victoria accounts for almost one third of Australia’s onshore international students thanks to its world-class universities, research institutes, vocational education and training organisations, and English language schools.
Melbourne is also internationally recognised as Australia’s top student city, and the fifth most attractive student city in the world behind only Montreal, Paris, London and Seoul.
The Labor Government is a strong supporter of the international education sector and last month announced $337,000 worth of new projects through its International Student Welfare Program.
The projects include cricket matches, legal education seminars and cultural celebrations designed to address everything from international student wellbeing and mental health to student safety and community engagement.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
“International education is our biggest services export earner and keeps 58,000 Victorians in work.”
“While some countries are closing off their borders, we’re encouraging more international students to come to Victoria and add to our inclusive and multicultural society.”
“Over the past two decades almost one million international students have graduated from a Victorian school, TAFE, college or university and those students go on to become ambassadors for our great state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020