In 2018, international education sector brought in $34bn to the Australian economy after taking in a record 690,000 enrolments. Now, the Federal Government is looking to strengthen education ties with Malaysia and India with the aim of creating “flow on effects” for Australia’s economy.
Last week, Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan travelled to Malaysia before leading a delegation of senior leaders from the education sector to India, which is currently the second-largest source of international students for Australia.
Minister Tehan met with Indian Minister for Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal as well as education and research stakeholders. The delegation also attended local events in support of Australia’s education and research sectors during their visit.
“India has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and an increasing demand for education services,” Minister Tehan said.
“The delegation to India will be an important opportunity for Australian education providers to showcase the excellence of our education and research sector and to forge new relationships between our two countries that are mutually beneficial.”
Many universities are also looking to secure a steady flow of enrolments from Indian students through online education or partnering with an Indian university as domestic student enrolments are expected to stagnate in the coming years.
Opening a new market
Minister Tehan said that while Malaysia might not be a major source of international students to Australia it is still an important partner to the nation’s education sector.
“More than 23,500 Malaysian students are currently studying in Australia and our universities are working together on world-leading research that will make a difference in both countries,” Minister Tehan said.
The Minister attended the inauguration of the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Malaysia KDU campus during his recent visit there. Prior to the new campus, UOW already has other campuses overseas such as in Hong Kong and Dubai.