- Published:
- Friday 21 August 2015
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has today given the keynote speech at the Australia China Business Council forum on international education.
The forum brings together leading names in international education with the main discussion centring on how Victoria can maintain our largest service export – international education – into the future.
Victoria attracts more than 160,000 international students each year, with one in three from China. The sector will generate more than $5 billion in export earnings this year and support more than 30,000 jobs.
Earlier today, the Minister launched the Andrews Labor Government’s new $4 million International Student Welfare grants. This scheme will help improve the experience of international students in Victoria.
Mr Herbert has called on Chinese businesses to match the Labor Government’s commitment to support international students.
With two-way trade between Victoria and China worth an estimated $18 billion, and with more than 50,000 international students in Victoria coming from China, we have an extremely valuable resource.
Mr Herbert said the investment can be in various forms including internship opportunities for Chinese students, organising events to enhance their experience here and professional development programs with universities.
Melbourne is one of the world’s premier education destinations for international students, with QS Best Student Cities recently ranking Melbourne number two in the world only behind Paris and ahead of London and Sydney.
Mr Herbert said Victoria’s relationships in Jiangsu in Sichuan Province will provide an opportunity for both Victoria and China to build existing partnerships and to create new ones that are innovative and responsive to industry needs.
International education has been identified by the Labor Government as one of six future industries for the state with extraordinary potential for growth.
Mr Herbert said the Labor Government is working with education and industry leaders to prepare a refreshed international education strategy that will outline what needs to be done to sustain our success.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to making sure Chinese students receive the best education they can while in Victoria.”
“There are boundless opportunities in China in the onshore and offshore student market and in research partnerships and industry training, so I call on an increase investment from businesses in student welfare.”
“This Government is committed to building on existing relationships in China to create new partnerships that are responsive to industry needs.”