Education

International education is receiving increasing attention from governments around Australia, both in terms of policy reform and direct funding support. Post COVID-19 the WA State Government has focused its efforts in the attraction and retention of international student through the following initiatives:

International Education Recovery and Renewal Plan
Through its advisory group, the WA State Government has developed and commenced implementation of an International Education Recovery and Renewal Plan, which is a key part of the WA Recovery Plan. The plan outlines the strategies to support the international education sector, while supporting the positive welfare of current international students.

COVID-19 Industry Support Fund
The WA State Government has also launched the International Education COVID-19 Industry Support Fund to help Western Australian small and medium international education providers sustain their businesses with support of up to $50,000. The support funding aims to assist high quality local international education providers to remain viable until it is safe for WA to welcome the return of international students.

New Online Capability Grants
The WA State Government has announced new grants through the new Online Capability Fund to help education providers build on their transition to online learning. Grants of up to $40,000 will help local international education providers to develop and expand their online courses and enable students to commence their studies offshore until such time as it is safe for WA to welcome the return of international students.

The Australian international education industry generated $40bn in 2019,
up 25% from 2018.
(Reserve Bank of Australia 2020)

The City of Perth is the core of the education industry for Western Australia. Millions of dollars in private and public education infrastructure has resulted in the highest number of education and training businesses per square km in Western Australia, providing direct access to a critical mass of students and the workforce of the future.

The $1.5bn Perth City Deal investment will create a new major university precinct within the Perth CBD.

The City of Perth is invested in developing a world-class student experience in collaboration with the State Government, StudyPerth and education institutions to attract and retain international, interstate and regional WA students in Perth. The development of the student experience is supported by evidence-based research to provide quality opportunities for businesses to leverage.
The $1.5 billion-dollar Perth City Deal between the Commonwealth Government, State Government and City of Perth has been finalised, unlocking economic benefits and opportunities for the Perth CBD, with three universities announcing the development and expansion of campuses within the City. This new University precinct will bring about exciting opportunities for universities, the City and investors.

In 2019, 1,300 new purpose-built student accommodation beds were constructed across the Student Housing Company and Campus Perth developments. With an additional 1,700 beds in the pipeline for the CBD, the city is poised for substantial investment and additional education infrastructure as these developments take full advantage of being early investors in a growing new asset class for the city. 
This will create new options for students wishing to locate within the heart of Perth City and its thriving food, beverage, entertainment and cultural scene.
The City has identified opportunities to take advantage of this rapidly growing industry and are able to facilitate introductions to current developments seeking partnership or tenancy opportunities.
(Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Market Demand Study 2020)

The unprecedented levels of public and private investment have fuelled dramatic changes in Perth and there is no better time to establish or relocate your business here.

If you would like to find out more about how the City of Perth can assist you and your business, please contact us.

The Economic Development Team can provide the following services:

• Guidance – Informing prospective operators about Perth.
• Investment facilitation - Assisting investors to find suitable products in Perth.
• A coordinated approach – Assisting prospective operators to navigate their way through government and guidance for the approvals process.
• Making connections – Facilitating introductions to industry leads.
• Funding – Grants and sponsorships are available.
• Contact the City of Perth to make enquiries: ecodev@cityofperth.wa.gov.au