Estimating the value of international education to Australia
18 Jun 2015
Media release Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, has announced a significant study into international education that will examine its importance to the Australian economy and our communities.
Minister Pyne made the announcement at the first ever Roundtable on International Education, held at Parliament House in Canberra today.
The roundtable brought together students, education providers, business and industry leaders and Government Ministers to embrace a shared vision and common purpose for the future of Australian international education.
“Many Australians are now aware of international education’s place as Australia’s largest services export and fourth largest export overall”, Mr Pyne said.
“International education has created over 130,000 jobs for Australians and provides many other peripheral benefits that are not captured.
“We know for example that students and their visiting friends and family make an important contribution to Australia’s tourism industry, as well as supporting and other small businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors.
“It has been estimated that for every two international students, one job is created.”
“Many areas of the Australian community were represented at today’s roundtable, which was emphatic about the breadth of opportunities that international education exchange offers to Australia if we get the fundamentals right.”
The new report, due later this year, will be anotherkey step towards finalising the National Strategy for International Education and ensure there is a sound evidence base to guide the way forward.
The new study will also complement a parallel research project being undertaken by Austrade on market development for onshore and offshore services, including digital education delivery.
“The Australian Government is coordinating its activity to ensure international education, as now and into the future, continues to reward all Australians”, Mr Pyne said.
A second roundtable on international education will be held on 13 August 2015 at Parliament House, Canberra.
The Draft National Strategy for International Education can be found at: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/International-network/Australia/InternationalStrategy/Pages/National-Strategy.aspx.