The Gold Coast’s international education sector will soon be worth $1 billion with new data revealing staggering growth in the industry.
Deloitte Access Economics research shows international education and training was worth more than $988 million to the Gold Coast in 2018 – staggering 18 per cent growth year-on-year.
The new data comes as Ministerial Champion for International Education and Training Kate Jones today confirmed the government’s commitment to the Gold Coast’s International Student Hub.
“We’re investing in this industry because it’s vital to jobs growth on the Gold Coast in the future,” Ms Jones said.
“International education and training is on track to be a billion-dollar industry for the Gold Coast.
“That means it’s up there with tourism, construction and sport as one of the Coast’s most important industries.
“We see huge potential for growth in this industry – that’s why we’re working with education providers on the Coast to market the city to a new generation of students throughout the world.”
Ms Jones said the the Gold Coast’s International Student Hub had now supported 10,700 student visits since opening in 2017.
“Today’s data proves that our strategy is working. By ensuring the Gold Coast Student Hub continues to grow, we’re making a down payment on the future of this industry,” she said.
Ms Jones said the Student Hub would receive Government funding until 2021 in recognition of the role it played in supporting overseas students.
“The Gold Coast boasts world-class universities, well-resourced TAFE facilities, quality English-language colleges and many of Queensland’s finest high schools. It’s no surprise it’s an in-demand study destination.”
The Southport-based Hub offers students a place to socialise, share experiences, complete cultural and language programs, learn important information around visa guidelines and find out more about the Gold Coast.
Research from Deloitte also found:
- Brazil, China and India were the Gold Coast’s largest international student cohorts
- The sector supported 4730 local jobs
- More than 6200 friends and family of students travelled to the Coast over the year, generating $21 million in tourism expenditure
Ms Jones confirmed the ongoing funding for the Student Hub today at a gathering of Queensland’s International Education and Training Advisory Group (IETAG).
The Minister also took the opportunity to announce the next round of funding for the International Education and Training Partnership Fund.
The Partnership Fund is eligible to regional study groups, universities, TAFEs, high schools, English language colleges and other providers the opportunity to deliver unique initiatives and experiences for international students.
Study Queensland, within Trade and Investment Queensland, has encouraged funding applications of between $10 ,000 to $150,000 from institutions and providers that address:
- talent and employability (experiential learning programs and industry partnerships);
- International engagement in aligned markets (boosting partnerships, familiarisations and strategic missions);
- student experience and support services.
Applications will remain open for six weeks for the 2019/20 round of the International Education and Training Partnership Fund, which closes on December 10.
Source: The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory
