CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

Embracing Diversity through International Education in Regional Australia:

The case of Toowoomba

Professor Talal YusafExecutive Director (International & Development)

AIEC October 2017

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

IET is the second largest services export for Queensland (27%), behind tourism (36%)

Note: ABS classification for ‘personal travel’ and ‘education related travel’ have been renamed ‘tourism’ and ‘IET’ respectively.

Source: ABS (2016) ‘5368.0.55.003 International Trade: Supplementary Information, Financial Year 2015-2016’

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

20

03

-04

20

02

-03

20

01

-02

20

12

-13

20

11

-12

20

10

-11

20

09

-10

20

08

-09

20

07

-08

20

06

-07

20

05

-06

20

04

-05

$m

20

15

-16

20

14

-15

20

13

-14

Queensland major exports, Services by type of activity, 2001-02 to 2015-16

36%27%6%12%6%4%1%8%

Business travelIETTourism

All otherPersonal, cultural and recreational servicesTelecommunication, computer & informationFinancial servicesTransport

% of total services industry

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

A State-wide Strategy: IET and TIQ

Absence of a state-wide strategy for international education, until 2016 when Trade and Investment Queensland devised:

International Education and Training Strategy to advance Queensland 2016-

2026

Vision:A strong and sustainable international

education and training (IET) industry that facilitates global engagement, produces

lifelong ambassadors for Queensland, and becomes a key catalyst for growing Qld’s

knowledge economy.

Regional

focus

Toowoomba

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

The Strategy has proposed to advance regional Queensland via the initiative of the IET Partnership Fund. TIQ is partnering with QLD industry on 37 projects based around a number of themes including:

A State-wide Strategy: IET Partnership Fund

Working together to

grow regional capacity and cooperation

Ipswich study cluster

Toowoomba study cluster

Wide Bay Burnett study

cluster

Gympie International

Education Project

Townsville International

Education Strategy

Rockhampton study cluster

Greater Whitsundays study cluster

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

Toowoomba’s Potential – Case Study

• An authentic Australian life experience

• Safe and biodiverse living environment

• Agricultural abundance

• Affordable cost of living

• Reputable schools in the Toowoomba region for dependants of international students

• Accessibility: new airport

• Possibility to build a community network (population of 150,000), allowing a smooth adjustment experience and successful academic journey

• Personalised Student services

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

USQ’s Potential

• Affordable tuition fees

• Flexible and supportive environment

• A wide range of facilities catering to a range of student needs

• Outstanding student services

• A number of accommodation options

• Free airport reception and transfer to your USQ campus

• Access to a free daily intercampus shuttle bus service

• Proximity to the city facilities

• Low student-teacher ratio

• Student engagement opportunities

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

Continuous commitment to promoting regional Toowoomba overseas and to increase its multicultural population via a number of initiatives:

• Recruitment of HDR Sponsored students from emerging markets (East Asia, Middle East & Latin America)

• Adoption of an inclusive approach to students and their families

• Introduction of school fee waiver for dependents of HDR students

• Encouragement of spouses to continue their education

Supporting International Education in Toowoomba: a Personal Experience

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

• Multicultural exposure

• Engagement of the Local Government with International Students

• Global connections and partnership agreements with different government bodies, higher education institutions and sister cities, earning the city increased capital and diplomatic ties

• A skilled work force, trained to answer local demands

• Increased work opportunities for the region

• Toowoomba ambassadors worldwide

What benefits does international education bring to the region?

CRICOS QLD00244B NSW 02225M TEQSA:PRF12081

5 projects in the frame of the IET Partnership Fund aiming at regional development, enhancement of the student experience and creation of industry and community linkages:

Mayor Welcome Event and International Student Ambassador program

Study Toowoomba

Education cluster in the Ipswich region

Study Toowoomba International Hackathon

Student Employability (HDR students)

Future Initiatives

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Video on Toowoomba region

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Website: www.usq.edu.auPhone: +61 7 4631 5543

Email: yusaft@usq.edu.auSkype: usq.international

Thank you