International students and their valuable contribution to Australian society

International students and their valuable contribution to Australian society

Alex Chevrolle, Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand for Study Group, a higher education pathway provider for thousands of international students into global universities, shares his views on international students and their valuable contribution to Australian society.

"Our policies and the narrative when talking about international students need to better reflect the significant long-term benefits they offer as future residents of this country.

"Much of the education sector’s focus on international students has been short term but their contribution is far richer and broader. They are talented, future Australians making a big human contribution as part of our community."

A Deloitte Access Economics report titled: The Value of International Education to Australia noted beyond the normal measures, there are a wide array of benefits we as a country and society accrue from international students. This included: economic benefits stemming from increased entrepreneurship; knowledge exchange and international collaboration; economic benefits derived from trade and investment links and soft diplomacy in Australia and in the countries from which they come; and social benefits flowing from improved cultural literacy, stronger cultural linkages and enhanced cultural capital generated in Australia and in the source countries.

The report indicated at the time international students would add 130,000 skilled workers to the Australian workforce and make a significant contribution to Australian regional communities, with at least 5% of them living and studying in regional areas.

Alex Chevrolle adds:

"Census data indicates highly educated and higher income migrants boost productivity and workforce participation, as well as contributing to the economy and society through higher taxes. Furthermore, they contribute to the increasingly diverse fabric of Australia’s cultural life.

"It’s time we changed our message and approach to international students, as we need to make them feel welcome again and positive about considering Australia as a potential new home for, they are a critical part of a healthy, prosperous Australia for all."