International student numbers grow in Victoria

Victoria's universities have defied predictions of a downturn in overseas student numbers, registering a 19.8 per cent increase over the last 12 months.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Phil Honeywood, said the growth was a remarkable result given the back drop of the Asian economic crisis and Pauline Hanson's anti-Asian stance.

"Victoria made it clear to Asia that Pauline Hanson's views were repugnant and not supported here. Asian people play an important role in Victoria's community and economy and will continue to do so," Mr Honeywood said.

"The figures indicate that Victoria's message is getting through."

Figures just released for Victoria by IDP Education Australia revealed there were 30,850 overseas students enrolled in Victorian universities this year - more than any other state in Australia.

The figures, excluding TAFE institutes, showed 18,800 on campus students, 900 off campus and 11,150 enrolled in offshore campuses.

"These figures are welcome news for the Victorian economy providing an estimated $200 million boost and taking earnings from export education to around $1 billion for this year," Mr Honeywood said.

The increase follows two successful education missions to south-east Asia, lead by Mr Honeywood, showcasing the state's tertiary education and training system. He was accompanied by university Vice Chancellors, TAFE directors and representatives of many of the state's largest private training providers.

Victorian universities account for almost 36 per cent of the 85,000 overseas students in Australian universities.

Since 1996 the number of overseas students in Victorian universities has increased by over 10,000.

Student numbers from Singapore grew by 23.1 per cent, Indonesia 14.8 per cent, India 25.9 per cent, Japan 73.2 per cent and the United States 121 per cent.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, 9 December 1998)