Released 30/06/2017
The ACT’s international education income is up 14 per cent to $579 million, making international education Canberra’s largest export.
Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research Meegan Fitzharris has welcomed data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Government Department of Education and Training on international education exports.
“With our international education export income up to $579 million in the 2016 calendar year, and 14,000 international students currently choosing to study here in Canberra, our reputation as the education capital is well and truly confirmed,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“This is a record for the ACT and means that, on a per capita basis, the ACT exports more international education than any other jurisdiction in Australia.”
Lead indicators also point to continued strong growth in 2017, with the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection data showing student visa grants increased 22 per cent in the first quarter of 2017.
The main source regions for Canberra are China, India, Korea and countries which make up South East Asia and South Asia.
“Students aren’t just choosing to study at universities in Canberra, with over 900 students from more than 80 countries picking courses at CIT,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“When it comes to international education and high quality tertiary education, the ACT is punching above its weight. That’s why we’ve delivered $3m over four years in this budget to fund the election commitment to continue the successful Study Canberra scheme.
“With education our number one export, it’s clear our higher education, training and research sector is important to Canberra’s economy and the ACT Government is committed to creating the skills and innovation base of new industries to ensure we are prepared for the jobs of the future.
“The Government is committed to working with our higher education and research sector to build our knowledge economy and ensure we capitalise on opportunities in cyber security and defence technology, in our growing new energy sector, in allied health and sports science and in the digital economy.”
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Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases