Victoria Launches Yes to International Students Fund (YISF) to Support Offshore Education
Yes to International Students
PC: Brooke Cagle/ Unsplash
Melbourne,: The Victorian Government has unveiled a new $5 million initiative- the Yes to International Students Fund (YISF) – aimed at expanding the state’s global education footprint by supporting transnational education (TNE) partnerships with offshore institutions.
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The fund is open to publicly funded Victorian universities and TAFEs, including dual-sector providers, and seeks to enhance the state’s international education sector by fostering innovative collaboration models and offshore delivery options.
Key Features of the YISF
- Objective: Strengthen Victoria’s position as a leading international education destination by supporting the expansion of transnational education and fostering international partnerships.
- Eligibility: Open to Victorian public universities and TAFEs registered under CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
- Focus Areas:
- Offshore campus development
- Dual degree programs with international partners
- Innovative delivery models in international education
- Timeline: Applications open in early March 2025. All funded project activities must be completed by June 30, 2026.
A Strategic Move Amid National Debate
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stated the initiative underscores the government’s strong support for international students and its opposition to federal-level proposals aimed at capping student numbers. “Victoria says no to caps and yes to international students,” she declared, reinforcing the state’s pro-growth stance on education exports.
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The YISF is expected to strengthen Victoria’s ties with key partner countries, including India, by enabling the creation of offshore campuses and co-delivered programs.
Interested institutions can find further information and updates on the Study Melbourne website.
