International education roundtable: next steps are set for Australia’s largest services export
18 Jun 2015
Media release Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said today’s Roundtable on International Education has positioned Australia to benefit further from international education, our largest services export.
With more international students expected to study in Australia in 2015 than ever before, the roundtable has set out steps to ensure Australia remains a global education leader offering competitive and high quality education services to the world.
“This roundtable brought together around 100 participants ranging from education and business experts to students, the community and members of the Government to work on a shared vision for the future of Australian international education and express frank views,” Mr Pyne said.
Participants heard from Minister Pyne, Minister Bishop (who also represented Minister Robb and the Trade portfolio), Minister Macfarlane, Minister Cash and Minister Birmingham.
“This has been an outstanding collaboration with all those who have an interest in international education,” Mr Pyne said.
“We have come a long way today towards finalising the National Strategy for International Education, which is a blueprint for the future.
“The value of international education to Australia’s economy is both critical and multi-faceted. Last year it provided $17 billion in export income to Australia.
“It drives relationships with our region and the world, helps keep our universities and colleges competitive globally, creates 130,000 much needed jobs in Australian and so provides a wide range of economic benefits for our economy.
“Placing international education at the heart of our nation’s prosperity is of critical importance to Australia’s future and today’s roundtable has gone a long way to ensuring that,” he said.
A second roundtable 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.