We must do more to attract international students to rural and regional Australia, Minister for Education Dan Tehan said today.
Deakin University in Warrnambool today hosts representatives from education institutions, local government and community and business leaders for a roundtable discussion that will examine ways to lift the number of international students studying in regional and remote Australia.
"International education is worth more than $32 billion to our economy, so attracting more international students to our regional universities will create jobs and business opportunities, drive tourism numbers and promote cultural diversity," Mr Tehan said.
"Regional Australia has a great story to tell. International students who study in regional Australia rate their living and learning experience higher than students based in metropolitan centres.
"To tell that story we need to improve how we market our regional areas to the world, that means local institutions, governments, business and community groups working together to promote our great regions.
"We need to focus on the high-quality education and unique lifestyle that’s available in places like Warrnambool.
"We also need to work harder to make ensure that regional Australia understands the benefits of international education economically and culturally.
"Attracting more students, both Australian and international, to study in the regions is part of the Morrison Government’s $134.8 million regional higher education package. We can only afford to invest in essential services like regional education because of our Government’s strong economic management."
Today’s roundtable meeting is the first in a series that will inform work by the Expert Members of the Council for International Education.
