As a growing destination for international students, the Gold Coast stands to benefit from a meeting of Commonwealth nations on education being attended by Gold Coast MP and Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews.
The conference, which is being held in Fiji, is discussing the importance of education and skills development to the prosperity of communities and economies around the world.
“The gathering offers a great opportunity to strengthen relations with our friends throughout the Commonwealth who are keen to learn more about Australia’s world class education system, including vocational education,” Mrs Andrews said.
“The great lifestyle of the Gold Coast is an added attraction for students considering Australia as a study destination at one of our well known higher and vocational education institutions.
“Griffith University has close to 10,000 international students and Bond University has set a target of achieving a 50:50 ratio of international and domestic students.
International education is Australia’s third biggest export, increasing by 20 per cent last year to contribute $28 billion to the national economy and VET continues to lift its share of the market.
“In the VET sector, TAFE Gold Coast offers a range of courses that are drawing overseas students along with a number of private training colleges,” Mrs Andrews said.
“I’ve had the chance to hold a number of one-on-one meetings with counterparts from other Commonwealth nations to share ideas and discuss ways we can assist each other create more skilled and better educated communities.
“On Friday I’ll be making a key presentation to delegates about Australia’s VET sector and the significant steps being taken by the Turnbull Government to align with the needs of industry and provide Australians with every opportunity to gain the skills they need to secure a good job and career.
“Education and skills are vital to creating more prosperous and equal societies around the world and our expertise in these fields can only lead to long term benefits for cities like the Gold Coast.”