The City of Melbourne will pursue a range of measures to advocate for the safe return of international students to pre-pandemic levels.
In August, 88,203 international students were in Victoria - roughly 42 per cent fewer than at the end of March 2020.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the return of international students is critical for the city's recovery from COVID-19.
"International students contribute to Melbourne's exciting, vibrant and inclusive culture. International students are employees, business owners, volunteers, neighbours and friends," the Lord Mayor said.
"Prior to the pandemic, international students contributed $13.7 billion a year to Victoria's economy and supported nearly 80,000 jobs, so we know their return will benefit our economic recovery.
"All levels of government should be working together with the sector to reboot international education, and planning for a substantial return of students by the start of 2022, or as soon as Australia reopens its border."
At Tuesday's Future Melbourne Committee meeting, councillors endorsed a number of activities, including:
- In collaboration with international education stakeholders, advocating to the Federal Government for immediate action, and offering support in planning for the safe return of international students in time for the start of the 2022 academic year.
- Requesting joint advocacy through the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors to call for a national plan for the return of international students.
- Pursuing programs and initiatives such as Experience Melbourne, to strengthen Melbourne's brand as a city that welcomes and supports international students.
Education and Innovation portfolio lead, Councillor Davydd Griffiths, said the return of international students was critical in bolstering Melbourne's world-class reputation as an education city
