Students considering studying in Ballarat could be eligible for new scholarships from the Federal Government aimed at increasing the attractiveness of studying at regional university.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 1000 Destination Australia scholarships, worth $15,000, will be offered per year to Australian and international students to help with study and living expenses at regional universities.
International students who continue to live in regional Australia after getting their degree at a regional campus could also be granted an extra year of post-study work rights in Australia.
The scholarships are an important opportunity for students in Ballarat, where just last month 402 international students began their studies at Federation University.
About 35 per cent of Fed Uni students are international, one of the highest proportions of all Australian universities. The biggest groups in Ballarat are from China, India and Nepal.
Fed Uni vice chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett said almost 70 per cent of Fed Uni graduates went on to live and work in regional areas, helping tackle skill shortages, boost local economies and contribute to the community.
She said allowing international students at regional campuses an extra year of temporary residency to work once their study is complete would attract even more international students.
"Financial issues are one of the main reasons many of our domestic students drop out of university. Providing these scholarships will help the recipients finish their studies and make a real difference to their lives," Prof Bartlett said.
"The majority of our students go on to live and work in regional areas, so this scheme will not only attract more students to our campuses - it will help boost the local economies as well.
"International students enrich our communities with different cultures and insights, as well as a desire to work and contribute to the community. Improving their visa conditions will benefit not only the students but local employers and the broader community."
A new study from Universities Australia has revealed widespread support for international students, with 80 per cent of Australians saying they are important to the economy. International education generates export income of $34.9 billion a year for Australia and supports more than 240,000 jobs, making it Australia's third largest export.
"The Australian public absolutely get it: they know international students make a hugely valuable contribution to our local communities, society, global outlook and economy,' said Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson.
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
