Tasmania currently has 4351 international students who contribute more than $121 million to the state's economy, the Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, said today.
Chairing the International Education Industry Roundtable in Hobart today, Mr McKim said it was an opportunity to discuss key issues in relation to attracting more international students to the state.
 
"The roundtable is made up of key stakeholders including Government agencies, the University of Tasmania, representatives from Government, Independent and Catholic schools and Multicultural Tasmania," Mr McKim said.
 
"Students from 130 countries have studied in Tasmania between 2002 and 2011. Proportionally, China has been the most important market for Tasmania since 2005. Other markets include Malaysia, India, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and South Korea.
 
 "Tasmania, along with the rest of Australia, has suffered a downturn in student enrolment numbers as a result of several factors including the strength of the Australian dollar, changes to migration and visa rules, damage to Australia's reputation as a safe place to study and the global economic downturn.
 
"Tasmania has an investment of $1.2 million over three years, from mid-2010 to mid-2013, for initiatives to attract and support international students and these are being implemented through the roundtable.
 
"They include a Study Tasmania website and branding; familiarisation tours of schools and the university held in September 2010 and November 2011 for education agents; and an upcoming scholarship program for the 2012 February student intake to attract and retain international students.
 
"The roundtable has developed initiatives to enhance the experience for students in Tasmania.
 
"These include a welcome program and networking events for international students, International Education Awards and clear, concise, consistent information for international students prior to arrival, on arrival, during their studies and on departure.
 
"I hope today's roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss the issues affecting international students and look at ways that we can attract more students to Tasmania."
 
 
 
 
Further information: Sue Bailey 6233 2305