Media releases

Federation University Australia has welcomed the announcement of the Yes to International Students Fund by the Victorian Premier, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, who is in India to promote Victoria as a welcoming destination for international students.

Federation strongly supports the new initiative, which presents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the university’s network of key partnerships in India and other countries to deliver a unique, impactful transnational education experience through the Federation Co-Operative Education Model.

The Co-op model, which gets students work and world ready, through direct connection to employers, paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development, is central to Federation’s strong focus on addressing in-demand skill shortages, and makes the university uniquely placed to add a regional perspective to the Yes to International Students Fund.

Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley, who is currently in India working with partner universities to launch centres aimed at upskilling Indian students to make them more employable and work ready, is in discussions with the Premier’s office on how Federation can work with the Victorian Government to support more transnational partnerships that can support regional development through Federation’s campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and the Wimmera.

The Yes to International Students Fund provides an opportunity for international students through partner universities to gain invaluable experience in high-demand areas such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, new minerals, and emerging technologies, while domestic students will have more opportunities to connect with the broader Asia-Pacific community.

Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“The Yes to International Students Fund exemplifies how well-designed policy can achieve objectives that benefit all parties, with students and universities alike set to gain from this proposal. This initiative is an important opportunity to help safeguard the sustainability of regional universities, while also supporting regional development by bolstering Australia’s international education sector.

“I would like to thank the Premier, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, the Treasurer, the Hon Tim Pallas MP, and the Minister for Skills and TAFE, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, for their ongoing support of Federation’s work and recognising the huge benefit international students provide to our communities.”