Embargoed until 21 October 2009 – 9pm
Griffith University was tonight (21 October) announced the winner of the Education and Training category at the 20th annual Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson said that Queensland had continued its proven record as a world-class provider of quality education and training for overseas students, contributing strongly to Queensland’s culture and economy.
“We talk often about the economic impact of the overseas education industry, but what often escapes notice is the important role that international students play in contributing to Queensland’s modern culture, and our international relationships,” Mr Robertson said.
“Griffith University deserves this recognition as it is a leading example of a Queensland institution that seeks to internationalise students’ experiences, and recognises the social and cultural benefits of international education and international students.
“Griffith is presently the number one university in Queensland in terms of onshore enrolments and the number one university in Queensland for Study Abroad. It is the leading Queensland university of choice in 58 significant international markets; and the national leader in 27 significant overseas markets – and number two nationally in a further 18 international markets.
“Griffith University is also a major job generator in Queensland, providing employment for more than 3 600 people. In 2008, 9 780 international students made up 26.4% of the students on five Griffith campuses, representing over 123 countries of origin.
“I congratulate Griffith University on this awards success and wish the organisation every success as it goes on to compete in the national export awards in Canberra on 20 November,” Mr Robertson said.
Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor, Mr Christopher Madden said that Griffith’s international activities bring into Australia in excess of $127 million in direct export income and an additional estimated $155 million in flow-on income.
“Our major export markets in 2008-09 included China, India, Korea, Canada, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the USA, Japan, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Norway and Germany.
“Griffith University is well into the third phase on international education, where there is much emphasis on Australian students undertaking an overseas study experience, where the curriculum is internationalised, and where much work is being done to integrate international students into the university and wider community while they are studying at its five campuses."
“Our ongoing commitment to developing research centres of international significance and building strategic international partnerships will continue to contribute to our export success in the future,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Robertson also congratulated Hospitality Training Association Inc. (HTA) and the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education - The University of Queensland (ICTE - UQ) on being named as finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards for 2009.
HTA provides nationally and internationally recognised training in all facets of hospitality and tourism through short courses, providing certificate and diploma qualifications. It is now the largest employer of apprentice chefs in Queensland and one of the most respected and successful training providers and employers in Australia, responsible for the career advancement of thousands of people around the world.
HTA has over 900 international students enrolled in the college from over 33 countries around the world and provides jobs for 60 people, with exporting making up more than two thirds of our income.
ICTE-UQ delivers a broad range of English language and teacher training programs, English testing services, and continuing education programs for the international market.
Over 95 per of ICTE’s turnover is derived from export earned from international clients from over 35 countries. In 2008 there were 5 554 international participants in the ICTE-UQ suite of training programs.
ICTE–UQ currently employs more than 90 people, with key export markets in Korea, China, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Chile and Japan.
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