Townsville targets Chinese learners to grow local industry

Townsville’s education providers are getting aggressive in the competitive international student market, as an increasing number of foreign learners look to Australia and Queensland as an ideal study destination. 

In Townsville today, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and investment Curtis Pitt announced a new project to identify market opportunities and promote the city as study destination offering a typically Australian lifestyle. 

“The Townsville International Education Growth Strategy project will develop a strategic plan to promote Townsville as an education destination for Chinese students,” Mr Pitt said. 

“It’s a logical fit which capitalises on Townsville’s lifestyle and institutional strengths. 

“China is already Queensland’s largest source market for international students coming to the sunshine state to study and there is an opportunity to grow this further in Townsville. 

“This new project is funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s International Education and Training Partnership Fund and the Study Townsville Consortium Group and will develop a joint marketing strategy, identify Townsville’s unique selling points for Chinese students and identify specific targets for growth.” 

The Study Townsville Consortium comprises the Townsville City Council and 15 local education and training providers including James Cook University, Central Queensland University, TAFE Queensland, TEC-NQ and local schools. 

The $6 million International Education and Training Partnership Fund is an initiative of the Palaszczuk Government’s $25.3 million International Education and Training Strategy to Advance Queensland. 

The fund will allocate $1.2 million this financial year to supporting innovative industry initiatives that will boost Queensland’s international education and training sector.

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