The annual value of international education to the ACT community has passed $1 billion for the first time.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this month show the ACT’s international education exports were up 15 per cent on 2017 figures to be valued at $1.009 billion.
Minister for Higher Education Meegan Fitzharris said this “well and truly” confirmed the reputation of Canberra as the education capital.
“International education services are Canberra’s largest export, and this data demonstrates just how important the sector is to maintaining a strong and diverse economy in the ACT,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“With international education service exports representing 2.8 per cent of the national total, even though we are home to only 1.7 per cent of the national population, it also demonstrates that overseas students and their families are making an active choice to study in Canberra.”
Global higher education consultancy, QS Quacquarelli Symonds also released its latest rankings, showing Canberra’s universities are continuing to perform highly on the international stage.
The Australian National University was ranked 29th in the world, the University of NSW, which has a presence in the ACT, was 43rd and the University of Canberra was now ranked within the top 500 in the world.
“These results are a testament to the quality of our tertiary institutions and the contribution they make to our city,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“We will continue working with our higher education and research sector to build the ACT’s knowledge economy, support new industries and ensure our graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future,” she said.
