Capitalising on growth opportunities in the international education market vital for Victoria

RECOMMENDATIONS to bolster Victoria’s higher education sector by strengthening our position in the international education market are among the priorities of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Higher Education Taskforce report.

“Victoria’s international education sector is valued at $5.74 billion, making it one of our most valuable sectors,” said Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“It is timely that higher education providers, business and policy makers continue to work together to ensure our education capabilities and global reputation are strong and growing.”

Victoria’s higher education sector, which includes universities and private providers, is diverse, competitive and internationally recognised as delivering high-quality graduates and leading-edge research. 

However, global competition in education services is intensifying and action is needed to make Victoria a more attractive destination for international students.  Several barriers need to be addressed to ensure we remain competitive.  These include student transport and healthcare costs, accommodation affordability and difficulties getting “real world” industry experience.

Recommendations to address these barriers and grow Victoria’s competitive position in the international education market are a key focus of the Victorian Chamber’s Higher Education Taskforce Report, Strengthening the competitiveness of Victoria’s higher education sector. They include:

• Extending the public transport concessions international students receive to include short-term tickets across all fare zones in Victoria, so they have the same discounts as domestic students. 
• Encouraging universities to develop dedicated, user-friendly systems to help international students and graduates find internships and longer-term employment.
• Improving student accommodation across the state, facilitating affordable close-to-campus and on-campus options for international students.
• Promoting the use of global health insurance policies issued through universities which provide coverage for services that would otherwise be an additional cost for international students.
• Removing the obligation of government agencies to only recruit graduates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Encouraging higher education providers to develop a module for international students which teaches them about diversity, appropriate communication methods and culture in the workplace.

“Adopting these measures will make Victoria more attractive for inbound students; enhance their learning experience, lower their living and study costs, and strengthen their pathways to skilled employment,” said Mr Stone.

Other priority areas highlighted in the report include:

• Driving innovation by broadening and deepening university-industry research links.
• Increasing productivity and employability by more closely aligning graduate skills with employer needs.
• Enhancing student access, learning and employability.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

ENDS