International student wellbeing grants up for grabs despite plan to cap university enrolments
The NT government has bolstered its support for international students after a federal Bill was introduced to cap university enrolments.
Education
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Despite a national plan to impose caps on international student numbers at universities, the NT government is investing in the wellbeing of its non-domestic students.
Local businesses, student groups and community organisations can apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding to support international students.
Skills, Training and International Education Minister Joel Bowden said the funding could be used for employment skills initiatives, volunteering and leadership programs, sporting activities, community and multicultural events as well as mental health awareness activities.
“With more than 5000 international students enrolled in the Territory we want to support their social connections and ensure students feel a sense of belonging here in the NT,” he said.
“International students make a valuable contribution to our society, strengthening cultural, social and economic ties and offering diversity to the community and skills to the workforce.”
It comes after federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers in his budget speech on Tuesday announced the government planned to introduce legislation that would limit the number of international students can be enrolled at each university.
He said the student caps imposed on universities would be “based on a formula, including how much housing they build”.
The legislation was tabled in Thursday’s federal parliamentary sittings.
The Territory’s student housing sector has been under close scrutiny since the alleged murder of Bangladeshi student Sifat last year.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the pandemic previously “kneecapped international education”.
“The students are now back, but so are the shonks – the shonks and crooks looking to take advantage of students and make a quick buck at the expense of this critical national asset,” he said.
“That’s why this bill is important.
“It ensures its integrity and quality, and it provides long term certainty for the sector and sustainable growth over time.”
But NT Opposition Education spokeswoman Jo Hersey said cutting back on international student enrolments could “severely impact the Territory”.
“The Labor student cuts due to a national housing crisis of their own making could lead to job losses, reputational damage, and a decrease in international student enrolment throughout the Northern Territory,” Mrs Hersey said.
“International students represent an important part of our economy that we cannot afford to be damaged by Labor’s disgraceful actions.
“Unlike Labor, the CLP has a plan, to repurpose CBD buildings for student accommodation, and guidelines for the repurposing of vacant commercial to residential property.”
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