Federal government confirms growth allowed for NT international student numbers
Education Minister Jason Clare confirmed caps would be imposed ‘without exemptions’ but the government wanted to see growth in the NT’s international student numbers.
The federal government has confirmed there will be no cuts to numbers of international students arriving in the Territory, as caps are set to be imposed from next year.
Education Minister Jason Clare wrote to Chief Minister Eva Lawler on Monday to confirm that growth would be supported in the NT despite student number caps being applied “without exemptions”.
The Territory government has been lobbying their federal counterparts for the jurisdiction to be carved out of the measures aimed at stemming increasing arrivals into Australia.
There are currently about 4200 international students across the Territory – about one per cent of the national share.
“The government appreciates the need for growth in international education to support the Northern Territory, and is keen to support this growth,” Mr Clare wrote in his letter.
“International student profiles will establish limits on international student enrolments for every university with no exemptions.
“However, the government is intending for international student profiles to recognise the diversity of the sector and the different circumstances of each university.”
Mr Clare confirmed the allocation to Charles Darwin University would not represent a decline from its 2023 numbers.
Ms Lawler could not confirm whether CDU’s target to reach 10,000 international students by 2030 would be vetoed.
“We’ve been pushing for as many as we can,” she said.
“We’ve got at least 2000 (for CDU), we’ll be pushing for 3000, more – the more the better.
“This guarantee on the Territory’s international student numbers will provide confidence for the sector and businesses to plan to get the maximum benefits.”
CDU’s city campus is almost complete, with landscaping currently underway.
To increase the supply of accommodation for students, Labor recently handed the university prime real estate opposite the new campus.
The development is expected to house around 350 students and CDU is working on finalising design plans and contractor arrangements.
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Originally published as Federal government confirms growth allowed for NT international student numbers
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