The McGowan Labor Government has provided a massive $41.2 million boost to support Western Australia's international education sector and diversify the WA economy as part of the 2022-23 State Budget.
The additional funding has been allocated following extensive consultation with the sector, including a roundtable with the Premier, International Education Minister and key stakeholders.
Priority areas include building a pipeline of future onshore international education students, re-engagement of the international education agent network and providing financial support for sector recovery.
A key plank of the initiative includes two new scholarship programs - the Premier's University Scholarships and the Premier's WA Certificate of Education Bursary.
The Premier's University Scholarships, worth a total of $2 million over four years, will provide funding for 10 one-year scholarships valued at $50,000 each per annum to attract high-achieving international students to WA's five universities.
A further $4 million over four years will be provided to implement the Premier's WA Certificate of Education Bursary, which will provide support of $20,000 per annum to 50 offshore WACE graduates from WA's international partner schools.
Overseas education agents who enrol international students in a WA institution will be supported through a $10 million incentive package that will also aim to increase awareness of WA's international education sector through the agent network.
Other initiatives to be funded include:
- $1 million for the provision of a familiarisation program for key offshore stakeholders to visit and experience WA;
- $6.8 million for the continuation of the ELICOS Bursary and the International Student Accommodation Subsidy to attract international students to WA;
- $400,000 for the creation of a school support program to encourage international students studying within the schools sector to continue their student journey with a WA education provider;
- $3 million for the WA Technical and Vocational Education and Training Consortium to support the development of offshore opportunities and student pipeline creation;
- $4.5 million boost to StudyPerth, which ensures international students are welcomed and supported while studying in WA;
- $1.5 million to extend the global international education marketing campaign; and
- $8 million over four years for onshore and offshore staffing to implement the new initiatives.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by International Education Minister David Templeman:
"International education is an important economic sector for Western Australia and the McGowan Government is strongly committed to supporting the industry as it continues to reconnect with international partners.
"We have consulted extensively with the international education sector over the past few months and have based this package on their input.
"The aim is to build a pipeline of future onshore international students, re-engage the international education agent network and provide financial support for the sector to ensure its continued growth.
"This package builds on existing incentives, including the $195 million Reconnect WA package, which are working to boost international education in Western Australia.
"Our commitment to this important sector is all part of the McGowan Government's diversification plans to further strengthen the WA economy for the long-term."
