Australia's Education Exports Hit $21 Billion Record High
A recent surge in Chinese student enrolment in Australia has seen education exports rising to a record-breaking $21 billion.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Chinese students brought 27% of the total education export revenue for 2015-2016.
Recognising China’s significant contribution to Australia’s education sector, Phil Honeywood from the International Education Association of Australia stressed the importance of cultivating strong relationships with international students enrolled in Australian universities. "We need to focus less on the revenue and more on the soft power benefits that a more mature international education industry is providing the nation" he said.
"Through the exchange of students on a grand scale, we're forging relationships that underpin our future diplomacy, trade, business links, cultural insight and personal connections" added Universities Australia's chief executive Belinda Robinson.
Click here to access the full article on the Australian Financial Review (paywall).
