South Australia’s international education industry continues to defy the economic downturn by outstripping the national average to record a 24% jump in overseas student enrolments in the first three months of 2009.
Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien, says the latest Australian Education International (AEI) figures emphasize the resilience of international education in the face of the global financial crisis.
“It’s up to 30% cheaper for many Asian students to study in Adelaide this year due to the lower Australian dollar,” Mr O’Brien says.
“That’s reflected in the 24.3% hike in enrolments we’ve recorded so far in 2009 – our strongest growth rate in seven years.
“If that growth continues, we are on target to attract a record 32,000 international students by the end of the year,” Mr O’Brien says.
Nationally, AEI figures show that international student enrolments rose 20.8% in the first three months of 2009 – pouring more than $15 billion into the national economy.
Mr O’Brien says the continued buoyancy of South Australia’s $741 million international education industry is no mere accident.
“South Australia’s university and training providers must be commended for their highly professional international office marketing and recruitment programs.
“And we don’t just reap financial benefits: our education providers are helping to teach the next generation of Asian leaders, which in turn enhances their understanding of our language and culture and fosters closer ties with South Australia.”
‘The State Government is also providing $500,000 for primary and high school fees to be waived for the dependants of international Higher Degree by Research students studying at South Australian universities.
“This is a positive initiative coming from next week’s State Budget, which will rectify the disadvantage we have faced against other states offering fee waivers.
“This fee waiver only applies to Higher Degree by Research students who are sponsored by scholarships from their home countries.
“The scheme, to be funded over four years, will boost university efforts to attract the brightest students from countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.
“The decision means we will be in a position of parity with our major interstate competitors and it provides an opportunity to expand our research and innovation base,” Mr O’Brien says.
Commencements in South Australia grew 21.1% to the end of March, compared with a national average of 18%.
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