Victoria is strengthening its position as a leading destination for international students, with a new strategy designed to enhance the state’s global education offering and economic impact.
The newly launched Study with Victoria initiative sets out a forward-looking vision for international tertiary education, building on Victoria’s reputation for world-class learning and innovation. With a strong foundation already in place, the strategy focuses on improving the overall student experience while expanding Victoria’s global reach.
International education continues to be a key export sector for the state. In 2025 alone, Victoria welcomed 322,000 international students from around 170 countries. These students not only enrich campuses with diverse perspectives and skills, but also make a significant contribution to local communities and industries.
The sector generated $17.9 billion in export revenue in 2025 and supported approximately 69,000 jobs across Victoria, highlighting its importance to the broader economy. Melbourne’s continued recognition as Australia’s top student city—and fifth globally in 2026—further reinforces the state’s international appeal.
The Study with Victoria strategy places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and community connection. Programs such as the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program help international students integrate into Victorian life, supporting both their personal and academic success.
At the same time, initiatives like the Yes to International Students Fund are helping universities and TAFEs expand their global footprint, creating new opportunities for Victorian education providers to engage with international markets.
Backed by $18.6 million in funding over two years, the strategy aims to ensure Victoria remains a competitive, welcoming, and high-quality destination for international education, while continuing to deliver strong export outcomes and long-term economic bene
fits.