Prime Highlights :
- Victoria has launched the Study with Victoria international education strategy.
- The plan focuses on student wellbeing, employability and global partnerships.
Key Facts :
- Victoria hosted 322,000 international students from around 170 countries in 2025.
- International education generated AUD 17.9 billion in export revenue and supported about 69,000 jobs.
Background :
The Victorian Government has launched the Study with Victoria strategy, a long-term plan to improve the experience of international students, strengthen global education partnerships and reinforce the state’s position as a leading study destination.
The strategy was launched by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos. Its primary aim is the well-being of the students, inclusivity, and employment while ensuring better connectivity of Victoria to the international market for education.
As per the Victorian Government figures, in 2025, approximately 322,000 international students coming from nearly 170 countries opted to study in Victoria. Their contribution generated AUD 17.9 billion in export revenue and supported about 69,000 jobs across the state.
The plan includes expanding initiatives such as the Study Melbourne Hub and the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program to help students settle into life in Victoria and improve their overall study experience.
Dimopoulos said international students make an important contribution to Victoria’s campuses, communities and economy. He added that they help drive innovation, trade and investment while building long-term business and cultural connections with the state.
The strategy also aims to increase partnerships with key international markets, expand offshore and Transnational Education (TNE) programmes and create more opportunities for education collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.
Besides, through collaborations between industries, innovation, and improved results for graduates, the government intends to increase Victoria’s worldwide reputation as a center of education, training, and research. It is hoped that such initiatives will assist in maintaining competitiveness in the international market.
This decision comes in the wake of Melbourne being ranked as Australia’s best student city and the fifth-best student city worldwide in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 Rankings.
