International education is not just about academic achievement – it’s a driving force for innovation, global connections and economic prosperity. When international students succeed and the international education sector thrives, so does Victoria. They strengthen our global standing, fuel economic growth, build cross-border people-to-people and education connections and support our vision for a sustainable and innovative future. This shared success spans research, trade and investment, and entrepreneurship, while also driving local community contributions, addressing skills shortages, and boosting tourism and global connections.

The international education sector itself plays a key role by providing the infrastructure to nurture global talent, create research opportunities, and strengthen our position in the global economy. In return, the state gains immediate and long-term benefits, from cutting-edge research to new economic prospects, all crucial for a thriving, globalised future.

This is why we invest in and support students and the sector. By offering world-class education, fostering global connections, and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit, we lay the foundation for Victoria’s economic future. Our commitment ensures we remain a leader in global education, attract top talent and build a dynamic, competitive economy. At the heart of this investment are the students themselves – each contributing not just to their own success, but to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of the state, bringing new perspectives, skills and ideas that drive us forward.

Research

At the heart of our state’s success is the world-class research being conducted by our universities and research institutions. International students, staff and researchers inject diverse ideas, perspectives, and expertise into the local research ecosystem while benefiting from access to world-class research facilities and international mobility and collaboration opportunities. Through collaborative research and global partnerships, local institutions become part of global networks, enhancing research quality and transforming discoveries into commercialised solutions. These advancements lead to new technologies and startups, attracting investment and strengthening our position in the global marketplace.

Trade and investment

International education is a key gateway for boosting trade and attracting foreign investment. International students and alumni bring valuable knowledge and networks to Victoria’s industries, connecting our state to global markets. As many international graduates return home or go on to other countries to start businesses or join industries, their ongoing connection to Victoria fosters long-term relationships that drive two-way trade and investment and economic partnerships. Alumni also serve as ambassadors, promoting Victoria’s products and capabilities across sectors. Victoria’s reputation as a leader in education and education quality is reinforced by our innovative EdTech companies which export cutting-edge digital technologies, solutions and platforms to the world.

23% of Australian EdTech founders are current or former international students (EduGrowth, Australian EdTech Census, 2025), underlining both the contributions of international students and alumni to growing Victoria’s innovation capabilities, and the important role of global perspectives in supporting Victorian companies to succeed internationally.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

International education plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship, with many international graduates going on to create businesses – from tech startups to sustainable ventures – that drive innovation, diversify and boost the state’s economy, attract investment and generate jobs. Victoria’s thriving innovation ecosystem provides a supportive environment for international students and alumni to transform their ideas into viable businesses. As these entrepreneurs scale their ventures and tackle local and global challenges like climate change, social inequality and resource sustainability, they enhance Victoria’s competitive advantage on the world stage and are recognised as leaders in their fields. By nurturing entrepreneurial talent, Victoria strengthens its innovation ecosystem and fosters partnerships that drive economic resilience and social responsibility, contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive future for us, our region and the world.

Skills and workforce

Victoria’s international graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge highly sought-after in Victoria and globally, thanks to the high-quality, industry-aligned education and world-class facilities and infrastructure of our education institutions. International students and graduates fill critical workforce and skills needs across Australia.

Many international students in Victoria complete qualifications in disciplines that align with Victoria’s priority industries, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, providing a critical talent pool to contribute to the state’s skills and workforce needs in the healthcare and medical research, technology, digital, construction and engineering sectors among others. In 2024–25, around 45% of highly skilled migrants nominated in Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program were international student graduates, of which 93% were Victorian graduates, reflecting their job-ready expertise, in-demand skills and strong long-term workforce potential.

Community contributions

International students and graduates are an integral part of the Victorian community. Most recent data from 2021 shows that around 1 in 10 Victorians aged 15 to 29 was an international student (DJSIR analysis 2025). International students play a key role enhancing two-way cultural exchange and understanding in the Victorian community, forging people-to-people links that connect the state to the world and our region and increase awareness of the benefits of diversity.

International and domestic students alike benefit from the global perspectives and connections of diverse classrooms, and from the wider range of available study options supported by international student demand. Many international students also engage in volunteering, building meaningful connections with their local communities and fostering a sense of belonging, which strengthens community integration and inclusion. These relationships make Victoria feel like home, however long or short their time here. Their global connections also boost tourism and cultural exchange, with students’ visiting friends and relatives contributing to Victoria’s $46.7 billion visitor economy in 2025.