The Department of Education says a major financial boost to the international education sector is aimed at attracting more students from overseas and further diversifying the State’s economy.
It says $13.1 million in new funding will target student welfare while continuing to develop a sustainable pipeline of future students.
The announcement was made ahead of a trade mission to China that will focus on supporting mutually beneficial exchanges in trade and investment across energy, resources, international education, aviation and science and innovation.
The Department said China was the State’s second-largest market for international students, accounting for 12 per cent of total international enrolments in 2022.
“In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 8,378 Chinese students were enrolled at education providers. At that time the international education sector and its flow-on benefits generated $2.1 billion for the State and supported around 12,000 full-time jobs,” the Department said.
“Growth of the sector and diversification of international education markets has significant potential to increase these benefits and the associated number of local jobs.”
Premier, Mark McGowan said the potential of the Chinese market for the State’s international education sector and economy was significant.
“On the trade mission, I will share what sets Western Australia apart as a study destination, including our sector’s strong signs of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr McGowan said.
Minister for International Education, David Templeman said it was important to provide international students with a safe and welcoming environment for them to flourish in.
“The impact international students have on Western Australia is far reaching — from sharing diversity in knowledge and cultural experiences, to participation in our community and local workforce,” Mr Templeman said.
