ANDREW Barr says the children of international research students studying in Canberra will have their public school fees waived.

“As we diversify our economy and create new jobs in Canberra it makes sense to play to our strengths, which is why the ACT Government is committed to giving our universities a competitive edge, including helping them lure the best students – and their families – from around the world,” Andrew said.

“This fee waiver brings the ACT into line with many other jurisdictions, including NSW, and will save high performing students around $12,000 per year, per dependant, adding to the reasons to study in Canberra. The move will allow institutions like The Australian National University, The University of Canberra and the UNSW Canberra to attract more of the world’s leading research students, boosting their reputations around the world and supporting jobs on campus.

“Canberra is fast becoming Australia’s knowledge capital, and our tertiary education sector is one of city’s biggest employers. One out of every nine Canberrans either studies at or is employed by our universities, which is the highest interaction anywhere in Australia and this measure will create new jobs and boost economic activity in the sector.

“School fees have acted as a disincentive for this group to choose Canberra as the place to study and further their research careers. Although the number of ‘Higher Degree by Research’ students studying in Canberra is relatively small, they are an important group given the research expertise and specialisation they bring to the Territory and the benefits that flow from this. I am particularly keen to ensure that Canberra receives more than its fair share of the increase in international students proposed under the Federal Government’s Australian International Education 2025 strategy, which, if successful, will more than double the number of international students in Australia over the next 10 years.

“Canberra’s major universities have welcomed the initiative and the quick response by Government under the new economic development strategy.”