New initiative aims to bring international students to study ECEC at regional TAFE

A new initiative has been launched by the Western Australian Government which aims to attract international students to live, work and study at regional TAFE colleges in the state. 

A $5,000 bursary is on offer for up to 200 students to train for skills shortage occupations, including early childhood education and care (ECEC), supported by marketing activities to showcase regional WA to recruit international students for the two-year pilot program. 

The Government hopes the new initiative will alleviate shortages in hospitality, tourism, ECEC, and aged and disability care in regional areas.

“The return of international students to Western Australia is a priority for our government,” said International Education Minister David Templeman. 

“This initiative is a practical solution to attract international students to the regions in industry sectors with critical skills shortages.”

TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is currently hosting the first agent familiarisation tour, showcasing regional WA to agents from across the globe to promote the pilot program.

The international education agents from key markets of Italy, Brazil, the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Colombia, Korea, Sweden and Mauritius are seeing the best of Broome, Geraldton and Albany, as part of visits to North Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

The $2.4 million package responds to ideas raised by sector and industry leaders through the Perth and Regional Skills Summits, which emphasised the need for innovative solutions to address skills shortages and support regional industries.

Students who successfully secure bursaries will be able to study at campuses across the regional TAFE colleges: North Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE. Some students are anticipated to commence in February 2023, with the majority expected in Semester 2.

On graduation, international students may be able to access migration pathways to extend their stay in Australia.

TIWA will host a second tour in early 2023 to showcase further regional locations.