International student enrolments in the NT jump 30 per cent

The NT has bucked a national trend by achieving a 30 per cent increase in international student enrolments during the COVID-19 pandemic in December last year.

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The Northern Territory has bucked the national trend, achieving a 30 per cent increase in international student enrolments during COVID pandemic in December last year.

More than 4700 international students were enrolled with Territory International Education and Training providers in December, which was 1100 up on the same time in 2019.

Nationwide there was a drop of 7 per cent.

The Territory rise is backed up by a 37 per cent increase in export income generated by the sector.

It grew from $126m in 2018 – 2019 to $172m in 2019-20.

Sean Mahoney, the chief executive at Rapid Creek’s International College of Advanced Education, says the international education industry in the NT plays an increasingly important role in the NT’s economy.

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Mr Mahoney, who is currently in the midst of installing a bakery for student trainees at his college said that as a provider in this sector, said the NT government deserves to be recognised for its success in delivering the only group of international students allowed into Australia since COVID-19 closed our borders.

“I look forward to the NT government allowing us to once more welcome more students back to Darwin, providing their invaluable contribution beyond our own sector to industries including health, aged care, hospitality, horticulture and more,” he said.

“On average, an international student contributes $40,900 to the local economy each year.”

The Territory international education and training sector supports more than 610 jobs and International Education Minister Nicole Manison said it is why the NT government wants to ensure the students keep choosing the Territory as their number one destination to study.

International College of Advanced Education chief executive Sean Mahoney, second from right, with chef Emon Shaikh, centre, and hospitality students Thi Phuong Nguyen, Thanya Ranasinghe and Payal Soni. Picture: Che Chorley

“We were the first place in Australia to welcome back students from overseas, and we will continue to work with the commonwealth, to ensure we continue to capitalise in this space and support the sector,” she said.

The value of international students to the Territory as part of the workforce is being emphasised by the Territory’s tourism and hospitality sector bosses who are heading to Canberra in a move to have laws changed to allow them to work more hours.

The organisations want temporary changes that would see a lifting on the cap of 20 hours that international students can work.