Projects to boost the employability of international students, promote wellbeing and support the recovery of the NSW international education sector are set to share in $400,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Partner Projects grant program.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said six projects will receive funding through the program, which engages industry with the international education sector to enhance the student experience in NSW.
“Prior to the pandemic, international education was NSW’s largest services export, generating more than $14 billion in revenue and supporting over 95,000 jobs,” Mr Henskens said.
“International students play a vital role in enhancing our global connections, enriching communities and providing an invaluable talent pipeline for NSW businesses, connecting them with the world.
“This program aims to build on NSW’s standing as an attractive study destination for international students and encourage more people to come to NSW and learn at our world leading education providers.
“NSW attracts more than 37 per cent of Australia’s international student population, and this program will support existing international students already in NSW and help with wider efforts to promote our State as a destination to prospective students.”
CEO of The FRANK Team Natasha Munasinghe said the support will enable the company to add to and improve on the range of student experiences on offer in NSW, and to support efforts to attract the best candidates from around the globe.
“This funding will help us to expand our multidisciplinary knowledge and mentorship program across the state, providing students with life-changing connections,” Ms Munasinghe said.
Since launching in 2014, Study NSW’s Partner Projects has invested $2.8 million across 67 partner projects and attracted industry co-funding of $8.8 million. More information is available online.
The following organisations will lead industry consortia and co-invest to deliver six Study NSW Partner Projects in 2022/23:
- English Australia (will lead two projects) – the leading English language industry association will conduct research into emerging international markets to help diversify the markets international students come from. The association will also lead a project to support NSW education providers to expand their reach using edtech solutions.
- Global Study Partners – the international student recruitment company will develop a careers toolkit to grow international student numbers in regional NSW.
- Insider Studios – the media and production house will produce an online multimedia-based pre-arrival resource to help transition international students to life in NSW.
- The FRANK Team – training provider FRANK will lead a project to enhance entrepreneurial thinking and communication skills for international students.
- University of Technology Sydney – will lead a project to facilitate the volunteer placement of international students across Sydney and regional NSW in community and charity organisations.
