IHEA Welcomes Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s $52.9 million Victoria's International Education Recovery Plan 2025 to help rebuild the international education sector and become a global leader in education for quality, innovation, and inclusion.

The plan demonstrates support for Victoria’s higher education providers as destinations of choice for international students, and the positioning international education sector to respond to emerging opportunities through government partnerships, engagement and aligned advocacy.

The plan sets out five pillars supported by 19 actions. The five pillars are:

(1) The student experience

- Study Melbourne Hub Victoria.
- International student employment and accommodation legal service.
- Study Melbourne inclusion program.
- International student travel pass.

(2) Employability and student return on investment

- Study Melbourne empowered series.
- Study Melbourne ambassadors.
- Career pathways.
- Alumni engagement.

(3) Promotion of Victoria’s education offerings

- Study Melbourne brand.
- Showcase regional Victoria.
- Celebrate achievement and excellence.

(4) Market access and global connections

- Expanded global education network.
- Offshore Study Melbourne hubs.
- Edtech and innovation.

(5) Partnerships and collaboration for a strong sector

- Industry engagement.
- Student engagement.
- Student experience network.
- Collaboration with the City of Melbourne.
- Commonwealth advocacy.

The independent higher education sector plays an important role in educating both international and domestic students. Victoria is home to campuses of several IHEA members including University of Divinity, Academies Australasia Polytechnic, Australian College of the Arts (COLLARTS), Eastern College Australia, Marcus Oldham College, Photography Studies College, Lyons College, Navitas (Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology, Navitas Bundoora, SAE Institute), The MIECAT Institute, National Institute of Organisation Dynamics Australia, Institute of Health and Management, Holmes Institute, and LCI Melbourne.

Several other IHEA members also have a campus presence in Victoria.

Comments by IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy

"Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan highlights the importance of rebuilding Australia’s higher education sector, following a couple of challenging years due to the global pandemic,” said IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy.

“Whilst independent higher education providers are delighted with the reopening of borders and recent return of international students to Australia, rebuilding student enrolments and staffing levels will take time to fully recover.”

“There is a need to invest strategically and work collaboratively across multiple tiers of government, education providers, and industry to drive recovery of Australia’s international education sector.”

“IHEA looks forward to working with the Victorian Government and stakeholders to implement the recovery plan in conjunction with the sector.”

Comment by IHEA Policy Director, Michelle Muchatuta

“International education is a key component to the vibrancy of our cities, regions, and local economies. International students and their families greatly enrich the Australian economy and cultural diversity of our community, this has become especially evident following COVID-19 impacts” said IHEA Policy Director, Michelle Muchatuta.

“For the benefit of Victoria’s international education and Australia’s international education reputation, it is pleasing to see the multi-faceted approach outlined in the Plan with the student experience at the heart of its success; along with employability, student return on investment and the promotion of Victoria’s education offerings, market access, global connections, partnerships and collaboration.”

Michelle attended the 6 September launch of Victoria's International Education Recovery Plan 2025.

Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au)

Stay informed

Our IHEP News keeps you up to date with the latest higher education information, policies, comments and IHEA submissions.