Chief Minister Andrew Barr today outlined a new direction for Study Canberra, strengthening its role in attracting students, developing skills and helping more graduates build their futures in Canberra.
Canberra is home to around 60,000 tertiary students each year, including 20,000 international students from more than 100 countries. More than one in ten Canberrans is undertaking tertiary study, making students one of the city’s greatest strengths and one of its greatest opportunities for future growth.
The refreshed approach recognises that students are not only choosing where to study. They are choosing where to work, where to contribute and where to build their future.
Study Canberra will expand beyond student recruitment and become a stronger part of the ACT’s workforce and economic development agenda, helping connect students and graduates with jobs, internships, industry placements and long-term career opportunities.
Study Canberra will work with universities, CIT, industry and the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to expand opportunities and connect students and graduates with employment, entrepreneurship and business development opportunities. This will help more young people turn ideas into careers, and careers into long-term futures in Canberra.
Study Canberra will focus on:
- creating stronger pathways from education into employment
- expanding internships, work placements and career-connected learning opportunities
- promoting careers across Canberra’s government, business, education and research sectors
- supporting more international graduates to live and work in Canberra
- fostering entrepreneurship, start-ups and innovation through partnerships with CBRIN and Canberra’s broader innovation ecosystem
- growing pathways into ACT Government employment and graduate programs alongside opportunities across the private, education and research sectors
- strengthening alumni networks to promote Canberra nationally and internationally, and
- aligning student attraction with workforce needs, housing supply and economic development.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra’s future prosperity would depend on attracting and retaining the next generation.
“We have a clear plan to attract more students, help them build the skills our economy needs and create the opportunities that encourage them to stay,” the Chief Minister said.
“Every graduate who chooses Canberra strengthens our workforce, lifts productivity and increases workforce participation.
“These young people become the researchers, teachers, engineers, health professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders who will shape our city’s future.
“Canberra is a city with purpose. People come here because they want to contribute, solve problems and help build a better nation.
“Whether that is through starting a business, advancing research, delivering essential services or building a career in a growing local industry, we want more people to see Canberra as the place where they can make their mark.
“The Government has a responsibility to lead by example. As a major employer, we will play our part by creating pathways for students and graduates to gain experience, develop their careers and build their future in Canberra. Our job is to make sure people can see a future for themselves here, with meaningful work, housing choices and the opportunity to build a rewarding life.
“The cities that succeed over the next decade will be those that attract capable people and give them a reason to stay. This plan is about making sure Canberra is one of them.”
The refreshed direction positions Study Canberra as a key contributor to workforce growth, productivity, business investment and long-term economic development, ensuring more students choose not only to study in Canberra, but to contribute, belong and build their future here.
