Photo: Herald Sun

Victoria’s reputation as a premium higher education and research destination has seen Victoria’s total international student numbers grow by 15.2 per cent since 2016, outstripping the national average growth rate of 13 per cent.

While Chinese and Indian students continue to be the most ubiquitous in Victoria, other countries are also sending more and more students to Victoria.

New growth countries that emerged in 2017 were Nepal, which saw an increase of more than 50 per cent, and Columbia and Sri Lanka, which both saw increases of more than 30 per cent.

Over the weekend international students from a diverse range of nationalities gathered to celebrate the start of the 2017 academic year and launch Unlock Melbourne, an app that will help international students safely explore and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer during their studies. The app is currently available for iPhone and Android.

Victoria’s new International Student Ambassadors have also been announced. The ambassadors are 22 current or former international students who will use their own experiences to support current and prospective students.

With a 32 per cent share of Australia’s international student enrolments the Andrews Labor Government recognises the importance of student welfare.

We have invested in the $4 million International Student Welfare Program and the Study Melbourne student centre which provides 24/7 support, counselling, legal services and social events.

Victoria is the only state in Australia to offer a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ where international students can go to receive assistance ranging from legal advice and counselling to help finding a social club to get involved with.