Australia Government allocating funds for International Students

The Victorian government has announced a new $5 million fund, dubbed the “Yes to International Students” fund, aimed at enhancing transnational education (TNE) partnerships for universities and TAFEs in Victoria. Premier Jacinta Allan unveiled the initiative on September 16 in Delhi, coinciding with an expanded partnership between RMIT University and BITS Pilani.

This funding is intended to help institutions kickstart and grow international education offerings, especially in light of the federal government’s proposed cap on international student enrolments, set at 270,000 new commencements for 2025. Allan emphasized the economic benefits of international students, stating that the fund aims to bolster Victoria’s global reputation and support local businesses.

The Victorian government plans to collaborate with educational providers on the fund’s design, with more details to be shared in an upcoming economic growth statement. They are advocating for TNE students to be exempt from the federal caps and are committed to promoting Victoria as a leader in international education.

Deakin University, already well-established in TNE, expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its ongoing projects, including the GIFT City Campus in India and a new joint campus in Indonesia.