The Impact of COVID-19 on International Education

Each year, students from more than 150 countries arrive to gain an education in Australia, even amid a pandemic. According to the Department of Jobs, Regions and Precincts, international education is Australia's fourth-largest export and Victoria’s largest export.

Box Hill Institute's Director International (Transnational Education) is John Qiu, who leads international delivery and transnational education business development. He has worked in international education for more than two decades and he’s not surprised that international education remains such an important export during COVID-19.

John said, international education contributed $37.6 billion to the Australian economy in 2019, and it supports 240,000 jobs, business opportunities, and economic growth. Australia has an excellent reputation for its quality education and training and welcomes a multicultural community. The majority of international students feel safe and happy studying in Australia.

Before the pandemic, Australia was the premier destination for international students choosing to study overseas. John is confident that with the federal and state governments' efforts and support, international education will recover and remain a top performing export.

In 2019, more than 250,000 international students travelled to Australia to study but today, there are less than 120,000 students on our shores. John said, “The recovery will be felt by the sector for the next two to three years at least."

Box Hill Institute’s international team is confident that they can rebuild the international market and it is working on a recovery plan now that the widespread rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines is occurring. John said, "Victoria will still be the study destination of choice and at Box Hill Institute, we wish all our students and global partners good luck, good health, and every success."