More Chinese students will have access to Victoria’s world-class international education system after two significant agreements were signed between Victoria’s Swinburne University and two leading Chinese universities.
Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis, who is in China to promote Victoria as a destination for trade and investment, witnessed the signing of the memorandums of understanding (MoU).
Swinburne University and Jimei University agreed on a joint program that will see Chinese students spend the last two years of their four year course studying in Victoria and offer Jimei academics the opportunity to complete an English language course.
Swinburne University also signed an agreement with Tongji University which will see students receive exemption credit points when studying a Bachelor of Science (Physics) degree and study their last two years at Swinburne.
The MoUs demonstrate Victoria’s popularity as one of the world’s most desirable destinations for international students, not only for the quality of education, but for the great lifestyle students have when studying in the state.
The Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Budget 2017/18 allocated $3.75 million to extend the state’s international student travel discount until 2019, meaning eligible students can explore Victoria via public transport at a discounted rate.
In the last five years more than 250,000 Chinese students have studied in Victoria and there are currently more than 68,000 Chinese students enrolled across the state’s leading educational facilities, making up one-third of Victoria’s total enrolments.
International education is Victoria’s number one services export valued at more than $6.5 billion and helping support the jobs of more than 30,000 Victorians throughout the state.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“We’re thrilled to see Victorian universities working closely with their Chinese counterparts to give more students access to the education we offer in Victoria.”
“These agreements further strengthen Victoria’s internationally respected education system and show why Victoria is known as ‘the education state’.”
“We’re committed to growing the international education sector in Victoria, strengthening the economy and creating more jobs throughout the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020