Victoria opens consultation on international education: what it could mean for early childhood and training sectors

Victoria’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) has opened public consultation to help shape a renewed international education strategy, prompting a timely opportunity for early childhood education and vocational training providers to engage in the policy process.

The consultation, announced in late November 2025, aims to capture diverse perspectives on how Victoria can remain a competitive and inclusive destination for international students, while supporting the broader education ecosystem.

International education is one of Victoria’s most valuable exports, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and workforce pipeline. But with global patterns of student mobility shifting, the government has signalled the need for a refreshed approach that reflects new expectations, challenges and opportunities.

The state’s renewed strategy will build on existing frameworks, including the Victorian International Education Recovery Plan and Study Melbourne initiatives. However, this consultation goes further, seeking views on how to strengthen inclusion, student wellbeing, education quality and employment outcomes.

Although discussions around international education often focus on universities, the early childhood and training sectors are increasingly relevant. Many international students in Victoria are parents of young children, and their ability to access affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) plays a crucial role in their capacity to study and work.

Additionally, international enrolments in vocational education and training (VET) programs are growing, particularly in areas aligned with skills shortages and workforce needs. This has direct implications for training providers, early learning employers, and ECEC-focused qualifications.

The strategy refresh also raises important questions for ECEC services that may seek to support international student families or employ educators with international qualifications. Ensuring pathways for recognition, training and support will be key to both quality and inclusion.

What’s being considered and how to participate

The consultation invites feedback on multiple focus areas, including:

• Enhancing student wellbeing and inclusion
• Supporting education providers to innovate and compete globally
• Boosting employability and post-study pathways
• Strengthening partnerships across education, industry and community

ECEC services and training organisations may wish to highlight:

• The importance of accessible childcare for international student families
• Opportunities to promote early childhood teaching as a study pathway
• Needs and challenges related to international qualifications or workforce migration
• The role of VET in developing sector-specific skills and supporting employment

Stakeholders can provide input via written submissions, surveys or roundtable participation. The Department has encouraged feedback from across the education and training landscape, including early learning services, RTOs, community organisations and employers.

Victoria’s international education strategy will play a key role in shaping the education landscape over coming years. For early childhood and training providers, this consultation offers an opportunity to influence policies that could affect enrolments, staffing, service demand and support for families.

By engaging now, sector leaders can help ensure that the renewed strategy reflects the needs and realities of learners, educators and communities across all levels of education.

Education providers, sector representatives and industry stakeholders are encouraged to email their responses to the discussion paper submitted as a Word or PDF file to [email protected].

Access the 10 minute survey here.