Economic contribution of international students

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Economic contribution of international students
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Economic contribution of international students
Australia is seen as a country for higher education and better opportunities for
decades among international students. The students from all across the world and particularly
Asian countries arrive here looking for better opportunities for education and career. The
paper examines the economic contribution of international students to the Australian
economy. It focuses on Melbourne Polytechnic international students and their direct and
indirect economic contribution to the Victorian economy.
Most students arrive from China, Malaysia, India, Nepal, and Vietnam who stay here
once they complete their studies. Surveys show that the Chinese students make for the most
significant proportion of the international students in Australia (Study International Staff
2019). Australian Bureau of Statistics on international education and student activity shows a
contribution of more than $30 billion to the economy (Australian government 2018, p. 1).
International education generates about several billion dollars every year for Australia and
provisions for more than 240,000 jobs in the country (Study International Staff 2019).
Types of jobs that international students
Victoria state leads the Australian states for international students who think that the
opportunity to work along with their studies was an essential factor (Lawson 2014, p .17). A
recent report on Australian universities reflects that the majority of international students look
forward to services like training, placement, meeting employers, career advice, and support
(Lawson 2014, p .21). Students from Victoria had greater expectations for career support than
from any other state. Most students get employment related to their field of study, and
Chinese and Indian students worked for about 10 hours a week (Lawson 2014, p .7). A vast
majority of surveyed international students indicated they preferred to be in paid work. For
some, it was more important to gain work experience (Lawson 2014, p .10). Australia offers

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many part-time employment opportunities in a range of industries such as supermarkets, bars,
fruit-picking, clothing stores, telemarketing, and more (Study in Australia 2019). Students
with professional work experience and qualifications can even tutor other students. There are
paid or unpaid internships available in several industries. Volunteering with NGOs and
charities in Australia is a great way to earn some money and give back to the community
(Study in Australia 2019). Working while studying and after was particularly crucial for
Indian and Singaporean students (Lawson 2014, p .16).
Student’s main expenses
The major expenses for international students in Australia are related to their
education fees and living costs. They need to be aware of the costs that can vary with
different states. Boarding schools can cost about $22,000 a year while on-campus costs are
about $280 per week (Study in Australia 2019). Rentals are more expensive at $440 per
week. Other living expenses related to groceries, utilities like gas, electricity phone, and
internet plus entertainment and transport. These can amount to about 600-700$ per week
(Study in Australia 2019). International students studying in Victoria provide a broader
student outlook and contribute to the multiculturalism. These students have contributed $170
million to the Victorian economy (KPMG 2018, p.9). Victoria state offers substantial
employment opportunities for the students because of the support from local industries. The
international student fees and local spending by the students benefit the Victorian economy
(KPMG 2018, p.14).
The spending capacity of international students
The speeding capacity of international students relies on weekly and annual purchases
and their earning capacity. The most common form of expenditure was on housing and
mortgage followed by food, entertainment, and utilities. Majority of students report weekly