Australia Urges Foreign Students to Study in the Country

The finance minister of Australia has urged students from around the world to consider the country for their education. This is because it remains friendly and multicultural, even as it struggles with the latest turn in increasing tensions with China.

This week, Beijing released a warning to its students to be cautious in choosing Australia for overseas education. The Ministry of Education in China mentioned the mounting discrimination against Asians after the coronavirus outbreak – first in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The bond between the two countries has worsened since Australia called for a global investigation into the origins of the coronavirus in China, provoking Beijing.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said regarding China’s warning, “Any student around the world who’s considering a period of study in a foreign country, we would urge to consider Australia as a destination.”

He also explained that Australia had been a great place to come and study. Similarly to all countries, they are managing some issues. But, generally, Australia is welcoming, open, and transparent.

In late 2019, according to government data, there were more than 750,000 international students in Australia. Students from China holds the greatest portion of enrollment in higher education here. Based on Reuters, fees from Chinese university students are worth around 12 billion Australian dollars or $8 billion per year.

In an interview, Cormann claimed that the country is a friendly and multicultural society, stating that international students are already an important export market. Aside from that, he trumpeted that Australia has been an incredibly friendly and welcoming destination for international students. And they are one of, if not the most successful, multicultural societies around the globe.

He also claimed that all international students would have a pleasant experience coming to the country.

Aside from International Students

Moreover, China-Australia tensions have also flared on other fronts. Beijing has suspended several beef imports from Australia and hit its barley with massive tariffs. It also advised its citizens not to travel to Australia again, citing racial discrimination.

China is Australia’s largest trading partner. It purchases about a third of all Australia exports, such as agricultural and other commodities like iron ore and wine.

Cormann, discussing whether Australia could afford to not have an excellent economic tie with China, said, “From time to time, in a mutually beneficial relationship, there will be disagreements or specific issues. And our view is those issues should be worked through constructively and positively.”

The Finance Minister also explained that they both have an important trade relationship and a strategic partnership. In addition to that, they wish to keep their connection with China in the best possible shape. However, if there are mounting issues where the national interest of Australia is at stake, they would always stand up for their own national interest.