A warm welcome to international students

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell and Minister for Education Jason Clare met with International Education and Training finalists at Parliament House today, ahead of the 60th Australian Export Awards tonight.

These Australian education providers have been recognised for their outstanding international success and for providing exceptional learning curriculum, support and experiences for international students.

Ministers Farrell and Clare congratulated the International Education and Training finalists, and thanked them for championing our vibrant international student sector, after former Prime Minister Scott Morrison told international students to go home at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Albanese Government warmly welcomes all international students studying or planning to study with Australia.

Australia is a safe and friendly country offering a world-class education across our school, university, English language, and vocational education and training sectors.

Australia is currently home to 500,000 international students representing 190 countries. These students bring diversity to our campuses, workplaces and communities, and help to foster an inclusive and connected Australia.

They join a community of more than 3 million international alumni who have obtained a world-class Australian education and gone on to forge international careers.

Australia’s international education sector is our fourth largest export earner.

The 60th Australian Export Awards will be announced on 24 November at Parliament House.

For more information visit: exportawards.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“On behalf of the Albanese Government, I extend my warmest welcome to all international students studying or planning to study with Australia.”

“We are excited to have you with us, in Australia and around the world. You are such an important part of our proudly diverse society and our global education programs.”

“The Albanese Government supports our world-class international education sector and I congratulate the Australian Export Awards International Education and Training finalists.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP:

“Thank you to our international student community for continuing to choose Australia as your study destination, and for the invaluable contribution you make to our country.”

“We want to ensure your time studying with Australia is one of the best times in your life, and one that sets you up for your future, wherever it takes you.”

“International students who study with Australia move the dial. They go on to lead countries, become entrepreneurs and make meaningful change in their communities and around the world.”

“We are breaking the back of the visa backlog. We have also announced an extension of work rights for students who get degrees in areas where we have a skills shortage and students are coming back. It is great to see, but there is still a lot more work to do.”

International Education and Training finalists:

• Alana Kaye College (Larrakia, NT)
• John Paul International College (Yuggera, QLD)
• Stanley College (Whadjuk, WA)
• UOW Global Enterprises (Dharawal, NSW)