Research released this week by IDP Connect has revealed that many international students with enrolment offers from universities remain determined to fulfil their global education goals – despite the travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The insights from nearly 7000 prospective students show that New Zealand, Australia and Canada are leading in the efforts to support and attract international students who intend to commence their studies in late 2020 and 2021.
Simon Emmett, the CEO of IDP Connect, summarised the key take away from the research:
"While it is positive there is still strong demand, there is more work to be done. If destination countries and institutions are to meet this demand, governments, community services and the international education sector will need to come together to find solutions that enable students to arrive in-country and commence face-to-face studies soon."
IDP Connect's research reinforces a common theme emerging across the sector – rather than simply 'recover' from the COVID-19 crisis, this is an opportunity to renew and reshape the future of international education in Australia. This renewal will encompass many elements of global education that if managed well, will enable us to emerge stronger, more sustainable and more equitable for those who benefit from the sector.
How are we finding solutions together this week?
- The team at Austrade Education and The PIE News are hosting our first Global Dialogues series with key associations and government agencies from the main destination countries around the world. Under Chatham House rules, participants will come together to discuss policy and program responses to COVID-19. Another two Global Dialogues events will be hosted by Austrade and The PIE News before July 2020.
- Austrade is hosting a webinar for Australian education providers on the delivery of virtual student recruitment events. It is part of an Austrade initiative to re-shape future event delivery in 2020-21 in the wake of the COVID-19 disruption; reinforce Australia's reputation as a global innovator in international education, and harness existing and emerging technologies for an enhanced user experience. Registrations are still open on the Austrade website.
- With the resources of Austrade's global network and our partnerships with thought leaders, we have a unique perspective on what recovery might look like for Australia's international education sector.
Finally, we share one of our inspiring #InThisTogether student stories which are now featured on the Study in Australia website.
William Ndut moved from Indonesia to Perth in 2018 to study at the University of Western Australia after being awarded the LPDP Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education scholarship. In the latest instalment of our #InThisTogether stories, William shares his experiences and advice as an international student during the COVID-19 crisis in Australia.
If you would like to nominate a student to be profiled in our #InThisTogether stories, we encourage you to share their story via the Study Australia website.
