20.05.2021Stepping up support for international education

The Committee has stepped up its support for Australia’s university sector and industries reliant on the presence of international students.

The national border closure has prohibited the return of foreign students enrolled in an Australian tertiary institution, impacting on the vibrancy of our cities and regions, and various economic sectors.

Following the release of its consultation paper, the Committee has submitted its ideas for the Federal Government’s Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030, including the need to:

• establish a robust, dedicated national quarantine system for all international travellers, including students;
• undertake a community education program emphasising the importance of international students to Australian society and the economy, and to remain hospitable;
• collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the international student cohort has an experience in Australia which is better than that experienced by students before the pandemic;
• implement policies to drive down living costs, including rental and transportation costs;
• collaborate with stakeholders to diversify the international student cohort; and
• consider reciprocal student mobility by increasing the number of students that can access an internationalised student experience as part of their Australian degree.

The Committee will continue to advocate for the return of, and ongoing support for, international students through its International Student Action Network (ISAN) made up of key members and stakeholders.

We look forward to welcoming Minister for Education and Youth, The Hon Alan Tudge MP in September 2021, who will update members on the Federal Government’s position concerning international education. Stay tuned for further details.

For more information on the Committee’s international education agenda, contact the Committee’s Policy and Research Officer, Brett Van Duppen, at bvanduppen@melbourne.org.au