- Published:
- Thursday 6 August 2015
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on another key election commitment, to support international students in Victoria.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert today launched the International Student Welfare Grants, a $4 million Labor Government program to support organisations who work with international students.
The new program will run over four years and will support and address the needs of international students. The program will complement the services already delivered by the Government including the Study Melbourne Student Centre.
The program, now open for applications, offers grants of up to $50,000 per year to organisations that enhance the experience and address the needs of international students living and studying in Victoria.
The International Student Welfare Grants will help raise awareness of and access to services available to support the needs of international students, in areas such as health, housing, financial management, safety and consumer affairs matters.
The grants will promote the State as an attractive study destination and a global leader in international education.
In 2014 Victoria attracted approximately 160,000 international students, while international education generated $5.3 billion in export earnings and supports over 30,000 jobs making it Victoria’s largest services export sector.
Organisations eligible to lodge an application may include international student associations and a range of other organisations that can partner with these associations to support international students.
In addition to support services, activities that can be considered for a grant include (but are not limited to) events, workshops, volunteering and leadership programs, sporting activities, applied research and practice guides to help improve the experience of international students.
To view the International Student Welfare Grants guidelines, lodge an Expression of Interest or register for an upcoming information session workshop, visit www.business.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to supporting international students and cementing Victoria as an international education destination, through this $4 million election commitment.”
“The International Student Welfare Grants will help address the needs and issues experienced by international students and play a central role in creating a positive living experience in Victoria.”
“This is an important program because we know there is a strong correlation between an international student’s positive experience and the likelihood of recommending Victoria as a place to study to friends and peers.”