International education - economic and social value

What are the economic and social impacts of international education?

Victoria’s largest services export is international education.

It is vital to the future economic and social prosperity of Victoria. It is a source of future employment for Victorians.

There is a growing global demand for education services. The sector sees between 5 and 6 million tertiary students studying outside of their country of citizenship every year.

Victoria has a worldwide reputation for quality, innovation, inclusion and an exceptional student experience. It places us in a strong position to capitalise on these demands.

Our world-class tertiary organisations drive our position as a global leader in education. These organisations include:

• universities
• dual-sector institutions
• TAFEs
• independent education and training providers.

The numbers

In 2024, the sector:

• generated $15.9 billion in export revenue, made up of international student fees and broader student spend on services such as accommodation, food and domestic travel within Australia
• contributed around 64,000 jobs to the Victorian economy
• had a 30% share of total Australian enrolments.

View updated top charts and insights into Victoria’s international education sector on the Study Melbourne website.

The impacts

Strong alumni networks

Victoria’s international student alumni go on to become economic, political and cultural leaders.

Strong international alumni networks enable lasting and meaningful connections between alumni and Victoria. Alumni networks also support:

• Victoria’s international connectedness
• global research development
• trade and business links.

First rate student experiences

Victoria has a coordinated approach to student support and cultural engagement, facilitated through Study Melbourne. This is an attractive proposition for:

• international students
• parents
• governments
• industry.

Our vibrant multicultural society and social inclusion attracted around 330,000 international enrolments from over 180 countries to Victoria in 2024.

QS Best Student Cities 2025 awarded Melbourne as:

• best student city in Australia
• fifth best student city in the world.

Victoria is a knowledge state

Victoria is Australia's most educated state. We produce highly skilled professionals who promote our institutions globally.

• Six Victorian universities ranked in the top 300 universities in the world, with 2 in the top 50 (QS Best Student Cities 2025).
• The University of Melbourne and Monash University ranked #1 and #5 in Australia (QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities).
• Five Victorian universities ranked in the Top 100 Young University rankings (Times Higher Education, Young University Rankings 2024).

How do we support international education?

We offer support and programs to:

• international students studying and living in our state
• Victorian international education providers.

This includes:

• supporting international students to have the best possible experience studying and living in Victoria
• promoting Victoria’s position as a destination of choice
• supporting Victorian education businesses in global markets
• building partnerships for a strong sector.

For more information, visit the Study Melbourne website.