Victoria’s international education sector is entering a new era of ‘managed growth’ and global hyper-competition. Australian Government policy and visa settings are reshaping how the sector operates, through the introduction of a National Planning Level for international education and strengthened focus on sector quality and integrity. These changes are impacting the attractiveness of Australia and Victoria as an international study destination and affecting individual providers and sub-sectors unevenly.

At the same time, more international students are considering more study destinations. Destinations across Asia and Europe are increasingly popular due to affordability, proximity and attractive study-work options. In a climate of global economic and employment uncertainty, career opportunities are top of mind for prospective students and demand for flexible and innovative education models, including hybrid and digital learning, continues to grow. As AI plays an increasingly important role in both education and the workforce, the sector must consider how to respond to the risks and maximise the benefits.

This dynamic and complex landscape brings both challenges and opportunities. Victoria’s international students and international education sector are key contributors to the state’s success as a multicultural society and global leader in education. We must continue to adapt to students’ needs and leverage the state’s competitive advantages to ensure the sector and students can thrive even in times of volatility.

Study with Victoria refreshes Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan 2025 and outlines how government will support the continued success of Victoria’s international students and the resilience and sustainable growth of the state’s international education sector in this next phase.

Elevating the student experience and employability

Delivering a world-class student experience and supporting students to thrive throughout their personal, academic and professional journeys has never been more important. The student experience in a state committed to diversity, equity and inclusion is a rich, transformative journey. In Victoria, students are immersed in an environment that values differences and fosters self-discovery. The diversity of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives allows students to learn not only from formal education but also from each other, forming connections and broadening their views of the world.

As students navigate through their academic journey, they are simultaneously discovering who they are. For many, this involves meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life, discovering their passions and their sense of identity. Their journey is often met with practical challenges – navigating healthcare, finance and education systems, dealing with laws and regulations, and finding their place in the workplace – that strengthen their resilience and ability to adapt to change, enabling them to navigate an increasingly complex world.

The Victorian Government’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through Our Promise, Your Future: Victoria's Youth Strategy 2022–27, Pride in our future: Victoria's LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022–32, Our Equal State: Victoria’s Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan 2023–27, and Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan (2022–2026) ensures a safe, inclusive society for all.

That’s why the Victorian Government invests in Study Melbourne programs and services, which complement the support services delivered by education providers to further support and enhance the student experience. The Study Melbourne Hub provides a welcoming, inclusive space as well as programs and events for international students. Through industry partnerships, professional development opportunities, and tailored career services, Study Melbourne ensures students gain the skills and networks needed to succeed in the state and the world. By offering the support and advice that students need, Study Melbourne empowers students to transition from education to rewarding career pathways.

Global pathways through transnational education

Growing innovative transnational education (TNE) partnerships and other offshore education models will enable students to access a quality international education experience closer to home while strengthening Victoria’s long-term global education relationships.

With the $5 million Yes to International Students Fund, we made a clear statement: international students and the sector are vital to our future. This fund provides targeted seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs to expand their global footprint and take Victorian education to the world. 16 Victorian education providers have been supported to implement projects across the Asia Pacific region, including the establishment of offshore campuses, new course development with overseas training providers, and new transnational education strategies. These projects will drive the long-term sustainability of Victoria’s international education sector by enhancing the state’s standing as a global education leader and partner of choice and growing opportunities for two-way education mobility and collaboration.

Driving quality and safe student accommodation

High-quality and safe student accommodation is critical to ensuring a world-class international education experience. Victoria offers a range of options, including university-managed housing, residential colleges, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), commercially managed properties, the private rental market and accredited homestay families, including for younger international students studying in schools.

International students are estimated to make up just 6% of Australia’s renter population on average, and around 40% of international students in Australia live in university owned or managed accommodation and PBSA, reducing demand on the private rental market. We work in partnership with the sector to drive improved access to safe, affordable housing for international students. The sector continues to evolve with enhanced standards and competitive rent, and a strong emphasis on student welfare, wellbeing, social integration and educational achievement, providing the support international students need to thrive.

Study Melbourne also provides information and advice to international students on accommodation matters, including free legal advice, casework and representation when issues arise.

Showcasing international education in regional Victoria

Regional Victoria is home to high-quality education providers across a range of sectors, offering international students an exceptional study experience just outside of Melbourne. International students who choose to study in regional Victoria are welcomed by supportive communities with strong industry and employer linkages, giving students a competitive advantage to kick-start their career upon graduating.

Victoria’s regional centres also offer a vibrant and affordable living experience, and remain well-connected to Melbourne through a range of accessible and low-cost transport options. We will continue to promote these outstanding education opportunities in regional Victoria, and find innovative new ways to showcase the unique benefits of studying in Victoria’s regions through Study Melbourne’s dedicated and established marketing channels.

Strengthening global relationships for sustainable growth

A key driver of Victoria’s education success is its commitment to global engagement and its long-standing relationships with diverse international partners. Victoria is reinforcing its strong ties with China and India through Victoria's China Strategy 2025-2030: For a New Golden Era, the Victoria-China Education Working Group signed with China’s Ministry of Education and Victoria's India Strategy 2025–2030: Our Shared Future, focusing on TNE, research, digital education, and vocational training, including building a strong value proposition for Victoria’s TAFE network in China.

The state is also strengthening its engagement with Southeast Asia, a key education partner for Victoria, while exploring opportunities in emerging regions. This balanced approach, with a focus on diversification, ensures resilience and sustainable growth.

Collaboration with our extensive international alumni community, education institutions, industry partners and government bodies also underpins Victoria’s success in trade and investment, research and development, and global engagement. Strengthening collaboration across the sector will maximise Victoria’s position under national policy and visa settings and support the sector’s ongoing sustainability and diversity, realising long-term benefits for students, industries and the state as a whole.