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International education leaders gather in Brisbane
LORD MAYOR Graham Quirk will tonight officially welcome delegates to Brisbane for the Australian International Education Conference – the largest international education conference in the Southern Hemisphere.
“More than 1300 international education practitioners, teaching staff, researchers, policy makers are in Brisbane to learn about major industry trends and network with Australian and international colleagues,” Cr Quirk said.
“The Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) represents an economic impact for the city of more than $2.8 million, but its real value is far greater.
“The AIEC is one of the world’s top three international education conferences and the fact it will be held in Brisbane reinforces our growing global reputation for excellence in education delivery.
“International education is one of Brisbane’s biggest export industries with 75,000 student enrolments annually generating $2.8 billion in course fees and other spending.
“The Australian Government’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) says education will be a standout export earner for Australia over the next six years, alongside tourism and agriculture.
“In July EFIC predicted that international student numbers are set to surge 30 per cent by 2020. Brisbane will be the first choice for many because of our world-class educational offerings, sub-tropical climate, affordability, community spirit and reputation for being a multi-cultural hub of creativity and innovation.”
Cr Quirk said that earlier this year Brisbane was ranked by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in the top 15 per cent of cities worldwide for nurturing innovation.
“The 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index ranked Brisbane well above average for international students, describing us as a ‘global student city’ with an educated population,” he said.
The Australian International Education Conference is on at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Speakers include Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb, Walkley Award-winning journalist and ABC News presenter Virginia Trioli and Dan Gregory, CEO of The Impossible Institute.
The conference runs from 7-10 October. For more information visit http://aiec.idp.com/
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