Commonwealth Media Centre | 27 February 2013
Tertiary education minister Chris Bowen released at the UA Conference a report by the International Education Advisory Council which says that the international sector will rebound with an additional 117,000 international students by 2020 – a 30 % increase on current numbers. This would contribute about $19 billion to the economy compared to $15 billion today.
Bowen pointed to a recent upturn in interest in studying in Australia, with a 27% growth in higher education visas granted to offshore applicants in the six months to December 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.
Chaired by businessman and University of Western Australia chancellor Michael Chaney, the council’s report includes 35 recommendations addressing seven key issues identified as crucial to a sustainable future for international education:
- coordination across the sector; a quality education;
- positive student experience;
- partnerships; the student visa program;
- data analysis and research in international education;
- and competition, promotion and marketing.
Bowen will establish a Ministerial Coordinating Council on International Education to develop a five-year strategy for a sustainable and quality international education in Australia to oversee its implementation.
See
Australia – Educating Globally
Foreign student boom predicted for Australia
Education exports set to grow: $19bn industry by 2020
