WA Government Announces $16 Million International Education Sector Support Packages

StudyPerth welcomes the McGowan Government’s announcement today that the international education sector will receive $16 million, as part of the Safe Transition Industry Support Package to help individuals and businesses most affected by the delay in the full reopening of Western Australia’s borders.

“We are delighted that the Government has released funding to help individuals and businesses in the international education sector during this very challenging time,” said Tara Colyer-Long, Interim CEO of StudyPerth.

“Western Australia’s international education sector, including returning students, have been hit hard by the border changes, which came into effect at 12.01am on 5 February,” Ms Colyer-Long explained.

“StudyPerth has been working closely with the Government and WA Police to answer the many questions we are receiving daily from international students who are enrolled to study in Perth this year, but not yet in WA.

“Our team has been working around the clock to help support students with programs such as our welcome pack delivery service, daily virtual drop-in sessions and free counselling support services. We’ve also been working with the team at AHA WA to secure special hotel deals for those students in self-quarantine.

“International students are vitally important to the social and cultural fabric of WA, the economy and international relationships with the countries from which students come, and we will continue to work with the WA Government to welcome international students as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Western Australia remains a great place to live, study and work, and there are many employment, social and cultural opportunities for international students across WA.“

• $6 million Industry Support Program – Grants of $50,000 and $100,000 respectively to assist eligible small and medium-sized education providers impacted by the closure of international borders.
• $8 million Student Quarantine Support Program – $2,000 payments available to assist international students with quarantine-related costs studying at Western Australian education institutions in Semester 1, 2022.
• $2 million University Services for Students Support Program – Providing a supplementary $500 payment to universities for each impacted international student to provide support services (e.g. transport and welfare services).