Victoria is the Education State. We are home to a world-class education system, from our high-quality schools to vocational training, to globally recognised universities. Melbourne’s reputation as a welcoming and multicultural city with a thriving arts, food, and culture scene has earned us the title of Australia’s best student city.
International education has been Victoria’s largest services export since 2002. In 2024, the sector generated $15.9 billion and included around 330,000 international enrolments in Victoria, of which 64,300 were Chinese international students (almost 30 per cent of Australia’s total Chinese international enrolments). International students also drive significant tourism outcomes for the State, including visitation to regional Victoria.
Our strong in-market presence is also delivering Victorian education across China, including through transnational education (TNE) partnerships with Chinese institutions. As of 2025, Victorian universities and TAFEs share 141 different partnerships with Chinese institutions across 23 provinces and cities, enabling transnational learning, research collaboration, and student and staff exchanges to deliver shared outcomes.
Chinese international students contribute immensely to Victoria’s multicultural and economic life, supporting the local economy, bringing important skills and ideas, giving back to community, and acting as ambassadors for cultural exchange and connection. The Victorian Government has always stood by the Chinese and international student community, from the Stronger Together campaign in 2020, where public landmarks were lit up in solidarity with Chinese communities, to the range of direct support services offered through Study Melbourne.
At the school level, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is delivered at 23 schools across China, and more than 8,000 students have graduated since delivery commenced in 2003. With nearly 90 per cent of VCE Offshore graduates pursuing further education in Australia, our TNE school programs are a valuable starting point for a lifelong connection between Victoria and China.
China has an increasing demand for work- ready graduates with tangible skills in priority sectors. Victoria’s high-quality universities, vocational education and training ecosystem, and our TNE offerings support Chinese students throughout their studies and as they enter the workforce, whether in Victoria or back home in China. The Victorian Government also supports Victorian education providers to collaborate with Chinese counterparts – whether that is helping to identify appropriate partner institutions, navigating the regulatory process for establishing new programs, or creating the best possible environment for Chinese students coming to study here.
Increasing competition for global talent means Victoria must keep outperforming. Through a 2023 Joint Statement, the Victorian Government is already working with the Chinese Government to improve the environment for our education providers across the school, tertiary, vocational, and international education sectors. We will continue to work hard to keep Victoria as a favoured destination for Chinese students.
Victoria’s international education sector:
- Generated $15.9b in 2024
- Chinese enrolments in Victoria: 64.3k in 2024.
Case Studies
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne has longstanding partnerships with Chinese institutions. Since 2011, the China Scholarship Council (CSC) – University of Melbourne PhD Scholarship program has supported many Chinese PhD candidates to study for a PhD at Melbourne. In 2023, the partnership was renewed to jointly fund up to 45 new PhD candidates and 25 visiting PhD scholars annually, with a total co-investment of over $75 million through to 2027.
In 2024, the University of Melbourne’s Offshore China Office was expanded to support research and training activities, strengthening ties with the CSC and other Chinese partners. The University of Melbourne has particularly strong links with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including Melbourne’s only joint PhD program with a Chinese partner, launched in 2020, with over 20 candidates enrolled in the program to date, and the first two completions in 2025.
Fuzhou Melbourne Polytechnic
Fuzhou Melbourne Polytechnic (FMP) isa Sino-foreign cooperative institute between Melbourne Polytechnic and Minjiang University, one of the first of its kind in China.
Students can enrol in a dual award program and earn both a Chinese diploma and Australian vocational or higher education qualification. Through engagement with the international community, FMP aims to train students with an authentic ‘international vision,’ an understanding and awareness of international rules and the possession of international professional standards.
FMP students are given opportunities to participate in two-way study tours and articulation pathways enabling them to complete further study in Melbourne. FMP continues to develop innovative models of training delivery that will enhance outcomes and expand the successful partnership.
Goals and actions
Goal 1 | Goal 2 | Goal 3 |
Victoria is a favoured destination for Chinese students seeking a great education overseas | Victoria’s transnational education offerings in China are expanded | Victoria’s tertiary education providers are recognised for producing work-ready graduates |
Action 1 | Action 2 | Action 3 | Action 4 |
Strengthen employment pathways for students by using our business and community links | Build a strong value proposition for Victoria’s TAFE network in China | Support Victorian providers to establish transnational education programs in China | Promote Victoria as Australia’s safest and most welcoming destination for international students |
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