The Age | 6 November 2012
Victoria is now the only Australian state that does not offer public transport discounts for international students, raising concerns that New South Wales will secure a greater share of the multibillion-dollar education industry.
In 2011, international students contributed $4.6 billion to the Victorian economy and about $5.6 billion to NSW
The Victorian government has ruled out introducing travel discounts for international students, despite NSW announcing last week that foreign students will get up to 35% off fares. A state government spokeswoman says Victoria’s public transport prices for international students are ”significantly more competitive” than NSW fares. This is despite the introduction of travel discounts for foreign students in NSW. She says an annual zone 1 transport pass remained $330 cheaper than a NSW zone 1 annual ticket.
But tertiary education groups say the Victorian government’s inaction over travel discounts for international students will give NSW a competitive advantage.
According to Australian Council for Private Education and Training chief executive Claire Field discounted transport fares influenced where international students chose to study.
It’s time international students in Victoria were treated as equitably as local students. The other states will move further ahead in terms of international student numbers unless Victoria is prepared to act.
See
NSW introduces travel concessions
