The Government's $13 billion investment in education in 2003-04

Investing in education

People's education sets the foundation for their participation in the community and assists them in reaching their potential. The Government will embark on a range of initiatives to grow the Australian international education industry further. The Government is also strengthening its commitment to raising standards in school education and training.

Growing Australia's international education industry

The value of an education gained with Australian institutions is recognised by over 200,000 international students a year, earning Australia over $5 billion in exports. The Government recognises education and training can further develop as a leading export industry.

To this end, the Government will invest an additional $113 million over four years to ensure the quality, diversity and sustainability of Australia's international education industry and its value to overseas students. This includes $42 million to promote education and training in the international market and $36 million to establish international centres of excellence. The Government will help fund these initiatives by restructuring the Education Services for Overseas Student Fee, and increasing the International Education Contribution within the Student Visa Application Charge.

Raising standards in vocational training and schools

Australians need up–to–date vocational skills to drive improvements in living standards. And people's literacy and numeracy skills set the foundation for their participation in society and the workforce. Ensuring that all Australians have these skills is a continuing priority for the Government.

The Government will provide $3.6 billion over the next three years to build on its achievements in developing a responsive, flexible and high quality training system with State and Territory governments. This will benefit around 1.7 million students each year.

The Government will strengthen its commitment to raising literacy and numeracy standards by providing more than $210 million over four years for projects that deliver better learning outcomes for educationally disadvantaged students. This will supplement the over $6 billion in base funding contributed by the Commonwealth each year for school education.