Western Australian Universities Eyes India As A Huge Growth Prospect

1. International education plays a pivotal role in Western Australia's relationship with India and our global future. What makes Western Australia an appealing destination for Indian students seeking to study abroad? 

Western Australia presents a compelling study destination for Indian students, providing world-class education with globally recognized universities and innovative programs​. Perth, known for its friendly atmosphere and high living standards, offers an affordable and safe lifestyle​. It's a multicultural society, promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity​. Furthermore, students have opportunities for part-time work to support their studies​​, and they can benefit from the region's dynamic economy, which offers high-quality jobs and low unemployment rates​​. Finally, Western Australia's natural beauty, with pristine beaches and a variety of outdoor activities, enhances its appeal. 

2. What is the purpose of Western Australia's most recent education mission, and how does it impact the education sector? 

The Western Australian education mission to India in June 2023 aims to showcase academic opportunities in Western Australia to prospective Indian students and establish partnerships between universities in both regions. It also highlights the significance of international education for economic development and community enrichment. The mission's initiatives are designed to increase accessibility to Western Australia’s curriculum offshore, promoting easier application to its universities due to recognized qualifications. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance cultural exchange, with India identified as a growing market for Western Australia, contributing to diversity and community development. 

3. Which universities are participating in this mission, and what opportunities do they offer to Indian students? 

More than fifteen prestigious universities are participating in this mission including the Edith Cowan University, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), the University of Notre Dame, University of Western Australia (UWA), Murdoch University, Phoenix Academy, and Curtin University. 

The mission promotes the Government of Western Australia's accommodation subsidy and scholarship programs, which include the Premier’s University Scholarships and the Western Australia Certificate of Education Bursary. These scholarships are available in addition to the ones provided by each university. Pursuing the Western Australia curriculum abroad is considered beneficial for students. This is because the recognized qualifications make the application and admission process for higher education at Western Australia's universities easier. 

4. Which MOUs were signed during the recent India mission?   

While several scholarships were offered for prospective Indian students, the mission also witnessed the signing of several collaboration agreements between Western Australian institutions and Indian universities. 

To begin, a joint venture was formed between Datta Meghe World Academy in Navi Mumbai and Western Australia's Emotional Literacy and Mindfulness Academy (ELMA) to teach children social and emotional learning skills. 

Secondly, two girls from Asvara Academy, a residential school for economically underprivileged young ladies in the hamlet of Lavale, Pune, have been offered 100% scholarships from the University of Western Australia (UWA) that will span their full academic lives. 

Thirdly, in a first, the Public Senior Secondary School (RSPC) School in the Indian state of Rajasthan has teamed up with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) to deliver the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), which allows students to enroll in state training providers as well as public and private universities across Australia and internationally. 

Last but not least, an alliance between Indian universities and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) was created to establish the required curriculum and outline what they are expected to teach. SCSA also signed the curriculum licensing agreement between RS public secondary school as well as Zengage education.  

5. Despite India already being Western Australia's largest market for international students, is there still potential for further growth? 

Despite India already being Western Australia's largest market for international students, there is further potential for growth. This is evident through our recent education mission to India that aims at promoting scholarships and facilitating MOUs between Western Australian and Indian universities, easing Indian students' path to Western Australian education. Despite a pandemic-led decline in overall international student enrollments, India's enrollments in Australian institutions have been growing, signaling untapped potential. It is anticipated that Indian student growth in Western Australia will continue. Australia has become one of the preferred destinations for Indian students for pursuing higher studies, especially for gaining vocational skills​.