The NSW Government today announced more than $356,000 in funding for a range of organisations to deliver programs to support international students studying in NSW. Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said the ‘Partner Projects’ was established by the NSW Government to attract more international students to NSW and to support student well-being once they arrive.“International education is one of our largest exports, worth over $11.2 billion annually and supports over 46,000 jobs throughout NSW,” Mr Blair said. “I am pleased to support this program, ensuring that when students choose to study in NSW, they not only receive a first class education but also great experience in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Study NSW will support eight separate partner projects in 2018/19 including:

UNSW Sydney: $78,670 for a UNSW Sydney-led project to enable the international education sector to address instances of exploitation of international students in accommodation and at work. The project will establish an evidence base to address key risks facing international students, with findings to be shared widely to promote and support collective action. Other supporting partners include English Australia, Redfern Legal Centre, Council of International Students Australia, the International Education Association Inc (ISANA NSW) and Commonwealth agencies such as the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Intersective: $77,000 for Intersective for a ‘Global Trade Accelerator’. The project will support both international students and NSW businesses, providing Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences for hundreds of international students who will undertake international market research projects for NSW exporters. Student teams will respond to market research briefs from exporters through a digital portal and gamified mobile app built on Intersective’s Practera digital platform. The program will support employment pathways between students and employers and will later be extended to all NSW tertiary institutions. Other supporting partners include the Export Council of Australia, Global Trade Professionals Alliance, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, the University of Newcastle, Western Sydney University, Macquarie University, and the City of Sydney

UNSW Sydney: $44,192 for UNSW Sydney for ‘Interchange 2019’ which will deliver a four week WIL program with students learning by solving ‘real world’ problems. 250 international students will participate plus up to another 90 students as peer advisors and student volunteers across seven universities in workshops and networking events, culminating in a Gala Pitch event with industry, students and staff.  Other supporting partners include the University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney, Australian Catholic University, Western Sydney University, University of Newcastle and University of Notre Dame.

Edex Education: $22,000 for Edex Education to drive the formation of the International Student Education Agents Association (ISEAA), a national education agent peak body based in Sydney, to advocate on behalf of education agents and promote an industry code of conduct. The association aims to gather up to 120 agents by June 2019. Other supporting partners include Australia Online, MATE Education, VETA Education, Advisory Centre for Australian Education, and Expert Education Visa.

Successful Graduate: $49,500 for Successful Graduate to create a website to deliver online training to help international students enhance their employability. Training modules will target soft skills, self-awareness, resume and job application writing, interview techniques and preparation for the first days at work. Other supporting partners include Edified Education, the University of New England, UNSW Global, Southern Cross University, Times Academy, the University of Newcastle, and Western Sydney University.

University of Newcastle: $44,000 for the University of Newcastle to deliver an upskilling program for 70 international students in the Hunter region which also aims to benefit local employers and the broader sector. Students will gain a WIL experience and build networks with employers. Local industry will gain cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to engage with new international markets. Partners providing placements for students include Merewether Golf Club, I2N Innovation Hub, PRIDE Consulting, Fresh Marketing and Varley Group. 

South East Sydney Local Health District: $38,735 for an International Student Health Promotion Project to develop and disseminate culturally appropriate health promotion resources for international students in Sydney. The project aims to set up best practice to address sexual and reproductive health issues within the vulnerable international student community. Other supporting partners include UNSW Sydney, TAFE NSW, City of Sydney, Kent Institute and API College.

Illawarra Friends of International Students (IFIS): $2,750 for IFIS for ‘The Bridge’, a program to promote the integration of international students into the Illawarra community and raise awareness of the benefits of international students through a series of community engagement events. International students will get involved with the community through local service clubs, community events, and international food stalls. The project is also supported by the University of Wollongong.