- McGowan Government launches new international education strategy, delivering on another job-creating election commitment
- $2 million committed over five years to support the implementation of the strategy
- International students help boost the economy, create jobs and enrich the WA community
- In 2017, the sector generated about $1.9 billion in export income and supported an estimated 10,000 full-time jobs
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today launched the State's plan to attract thousands of more international students to Western Australia - 'Where Bright Futures Begin: International Education in Perth, Western Australia 2018-2025'.
The strategy, developed in partnership with StudyPerth, will guide future government and industry action, and is focused on growing the number of international students coming to study in Western Australia.
Fundamental to Western Australia's success will be effective marketing of the State as an international education destination, improving the experience for students living and learning in Perth, and the collaboration and co-operation of the sector.
The next stage is to bring together StudyPerth and key stakeholders to work on projects and initiatives to show international students that Perth is the best place to live, learn and launch the next stage of their lives and careers.
Western Australia currently has more than 50,000 students living and learning in Perth, and they are a key contributor to the WA economy.
In 2017, the sector generated about $1.9 billion in export income, supported an estimated 10,000 full-time jobs and contributed to increased tourism, with each international student attracting 1.5 visiting friends and relatives from overseas.
Nationally, international education exports grew by 22 per cent in 2017 and Australia became one of the top three destinations for international students.
The McGowan Government has committed $2 million over five years to support the effective implementation of the strategy.
The strategy builds on the recent introduction by the State Government of a new Graduate Skilled Migration List to attract the best and brightest international graduates with PhDs, Masters, Honours, Bachelors and other higher degrees to live and work in WA.
Information about the strategy, and other actions the State Government is undertaking to put Perth on the map as an education destination can be found at www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/WAIES
As noted by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Growing the numbers of international students studying in Western Australia is a priority of my Government.
"More international students will help boost the local economy, create jobs and add to the social and cultural vibrancy of our city.
"A key part of our Plan for Jobs includes an investment of $2 million to develop and implement an International Education Strategy to grow and diversify the economy, and I'm pleased we are delivering this.
"Our new strategy sends a message to the world we are open for business as a world-class international education destination. We welcome international students, their families and friends.
"Government and industry are now working together on a range of actions - guided by the strategy - to put Perth on the map as an education destination."
As noted by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Encouraging international students to choose Western Australia as an education destination is central to helping boost our economy and create jobs.
"We have excellent education institutions, including five world-class universities in one of the most liveable cities in the world and a long, proud tradition in supporting international students in a safe, vibrant and beautiful environment.
"Perth offers the truly authentic Australian education experience, and I am confident the State's investment in international education and the new International Education Strategy will provide a foundation for significant growth in the future."
As noted by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"Perth is a vibrant, safe, clean and cosmopolitan city with world-class beaches, wineries and parks. We are also on the doorstep of Asia and share the same time zone.
"We are working hard to secure direct flights and increase capacity from some of our key international student and tourist markets such as India, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
"This strategy will help get the message out that Perth and Western Australia are the perfect place to live and learn."
