International education and training
International education is Brisbane's largest service export and contributes to Brisbane being a prosperous and global city. It also enhances the city's international profile and supports Brisbane's economy.
As of November 2011 there were more than 78,000 international students studying in Brisbane, contributing $2.4 billion to the city's economy.
Brisbane Welcomes International Students 2012
Brisbane hosted more than 5,000 international and domestic students for its sixth annual Brisbane Welcomes International Students event in King George Square on Saturday, 3 March 2012.
Hosted by Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program and supported by Brisbane City Council, the event attracted 65 exhibitors from a wide range of areas providing information on education, transport, banking, medical services, public transport services, community engagement groups, leisure tourism activities and student accommodation.
For more information, visit Study Brisbane.
You can watch the video of the 2011 Brisbane Welcomes International Students.
International Education Futures Brisbane Taskforce 2008
In 2007, an International Education Futures Brisbane Taskforce was formed. The taskforce included representatives from state and local government, and the public and private education industry.
The taskforce was established to:
- identify ways to improve Brisbane's attractiveness as a destination for international students
- review issues affecting the international student market in Brisbane, including student accommodation and any community issues
The taskforce identified and investigated a number of issues relating to international students in Brisbane including:
- accommodation - dealing with issues around land use planning and government regulations, homestay accommodation and private sector investment barriers and options
- city profile - investigating what is needed to develop a Brisbane brand, including a Brisbane international student website and a civic welcome for international students
- student safety, welfare and social networks - investigating international student safety, the integration of welfare and social issues with other Council programs, issues around gambling, entertainment and related issues and visa issues
- transport - including public transport and ticketing
- industry collaboration and coordination - investigating co-ordination potentials, governance and whether a research program is required
- student employment options - investigating opportunities for Brisbane to help international students in gaining local employment
You can download the taskforce report, presenting the findings and recommendations:
You can download the latest version of Adobe Reader for free.
Study Brisbane
Brisbane Marketing's Study Brisbane initiative was created as a result of the findings of the International Education Futures Brisbane Taskforce. The Study Brisbane program is dedicated to advancing the development of Brisbane's international student market.
In 2010, Study Brisbane surveyed international students living and studying in Brisbane to better understand the needs and expectations of international students in Brisbane.
The survey feedback included:
- international students were highly satisfied with living and studying in Brisbane
- many students experienced loneliness and wanted more opportunities to meet and interact with Australian students
Study Brisbane is working to improve social integration between domestic and international students. The Brisbane International Student Ambassador program is expanding to include Australian students.
