The ACT Government will target a 30 per cent increase in student enrolments from ASEAN nations by 2030, strengthening one of the territory's most important export sectors and supporting future workforce growth.
Chief Minister and Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy Andrew Barr said attracting more students from Southeast Asia would be a key component of the ACT's 2027 trade agenda, with ASEAN identified as a major focus for international engagement.
"International education is our largest export and one of our strongest connections to the fastest-growing economies in our region," the Chief Minister said.
"Growing our relationships with ASEAN is about more than student numbers. It's about attracting talented people, building research partnerships, supporting future workforce needs and creating long-term economic links."
More than 1,350 students from ASEAN countries currently study in Canberra, contributing almost $100 million annually to the local economy.
Under the Study Canberra strategy, the ACT will target a 30 per cent increase in enrolments from ASEAN markets by 2030, with a particular focus on Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. The Chief Minister said the growth target aligns with priorities outlined in last week's State of the Territory Business Address.
"As our economy grows beyond $60 billion, attracting talented people and strengthening international connections will be critical to sustaining growth and lifting productivity. We want more students choosing Canberra because today's international students become tomorrow's researchers, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and business leaders."
The approach will prioritise growth in disciplines aligned with the territory's economic strengths and workforce needs, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, engineering, health and medical research, data science and renewable energy. The ACT's universities already maintain extensive education and research partnerships across Southeast Asia, providing a strong platform for further growth in student mobility, research collaboration and industry engagement.
Free trade agreements are central to unlocking these opportunities. The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area covers about 663 million people and a combined GDP above $4 trillion, and includes higher education commitments from several ASEAN members. Modernised agreements that give education providers, researchers and employers greater certainty will make it easier to attract students, build research partnerships and grow exports.
"Canberra's competitive advantage is talented people.
"Growing enrolments in high-demand fields will help strengthen our future workforce while deepening relationships with some of the world's most dynamic economies," the Chief Minister said.
The ASEAN student growth target forms part of the ACT's broader 2027 trade agenda, which will focus on stronger engagement with Southeast Asia, continued advocacy of the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement and expanded economic partnerships with North America, Japan and India.
