The state of Victoria in Australia has unveiled a significant AUD$17.5 million international education strategy. This includes transport concessions for metropolitan and regional Victoria for international students under a three-year pilot scheme, new Education Services Managers to be appointed in Latin America, Indonesia and China, and 150 internships available as part of the Study Melbourne Internship Programme.
The Victorian Government is investing over four years and will focus on four strategic action areas – market development, quality, student experience, marketing & branding.
It has 19 key initiatives, which will also include a new transnational education (TNE) fund for Victorian providers to support VET and skills development offshore and relocating the International Student Care Service (currently based in Carlton) to the CBD, augmenting its services and rebadging it as the ‘Study Melbourne Student Centre’.
Victorian State Premier, Denis Napthine MP, announced the new strategy from China, where he is on a “super trade mission” led by the Victorian government.
Organisations representing international students welcomed the news, particularly on transport concessions, which have long been campaigned for.
“This announcement is more than just welcoming,”, said Thomson Ch’ng, National President of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA).
“The transport concession issue is more than just an equity issue,” he continued. “We are also concerned about the safety of international students who would prefer to walk home rather than taking public transport late at night due to the high travel expenses.”
Nevertheless, according to The Age, the concessions may only be available on annual travel passes, although final details will be released next year.
“This is an initiative we would like to see all regionnals governments adopt”
Helen Zimmerman, IEAA President representing international education professionals, endorsed the new state strategy.
“A Victorian State strategy has been a long time in the planning,” she said. “The Government is to be congratulated for the Study Melbourne Internship Program, which includes provision of 150 internships per year for international students to gain meaningful work experience”.
“This is an initiative we would like to see all [regional] governments adopt”.
International education is Victoria’s largest single export industry and is valued at $4.365 billion (2012).
During the same trade mission to China, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, also announced a social media campaign to encourage friends and family of Melbourne-based Chinese to visit the city.
