Victoria’s position as a world-leading study destination is being backed by a new plan to support international education and attract more students to Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Minister for Trade Tim Pallas, on 6 September, launched Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan 2025, outlining the Government’s vision for the sector, including initiatives to build Victoria’s performance as a leader in education excellence and student experience.
“We’ve worked with the international education sector to develop a plan that will provide confidence, generate jobs and bolster our state’s position as a top-tier destination for students,” Minister for Trade Tim Pallas said.
Backed by almost $53 million in funding, the Plan highlights the worldwide opportunities and connections that Victoria’s international education sector offers – including through the expansion of the Government’s Global Education Network to 19 locations with extra resources in Colombia, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
“International students make an amazing contribution to our campuses and communities, and it’s great to see their numbers growing here in the Education State,” Minister Pallas said.
Melbourne is officially Australia’s best student city, and Victorians play a key role in making international students feel welcome and accepted. The Plan proposes to do more of this through Study Melbourne community partnerships and programs empowering women, LGBTIQ+ communities, and people of all colour, faiths, and abilities.
The International Student Travel Pass, which offers a 50 per cent discount, is a practical demonstration of support for students once they land in Victoria.
“We’re backing the return of international students because they make a critical contribution to our state, boost the economy and add to our cultural fabric,” Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney said.
Some 37,000 extra students have arrived in Victoria since international borders re-opened last December, taking the total number of international students currently in the state to more than 105,000. A further 23,000 offshore students are enrolled with Victorian institutions.
The Recovery Plan incorporates a new overseas promotional campaign to keep the momentum of the sector’s recovery strong.
The Plan calls for collective investment in education innovation and technology to ensure the sector can adapt to future shifts in teaching and learning demands.
“The Recovery Plan offers a bold vision to drive innovation, inclusion, and sector resilience. An industry-wide effort is needed to ensure the best possible experience for each and every international student, who, in turn, contribute significantly to our society,” International Education Advisory Council Chair John Brumby said.
In order to stabilise the sector during the global pandemic, the Andrews Labor Government has undertaken record investments in 2020 and 2021, including $33 million in support programs for international students, $45 million in the International Student Emergency Relief Fund, and $50 million in the International Education Resilience Fund.
Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan 2025 is available at studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.
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