Education Minister Simon Birmingham announced 11 appointments this morning to the new Council for International Education, which he will chair.

The group will advise on implementing the $12 million National Strategy for International Education 2025.

Worth $19 billion a year to Australia, international education makes a major contribution to our national economy, diplomacy and the global standing of our world-class university system.

Ms Robinson said she looked forward to working with the other members of the council on sustaining Australia’s international education sector amidst growing competition from other nations.

“International education is not just about the export income. It brings immeasurable benefits in international collaboration, student mobility, diversity, cultural and diplomatic relationships,” she said.

“While it has been growing in recent years, international education will benefit further from a co-ordinated, national and strategic approach to oversee the next steps in that strategy.”

“We cannot afford to be complacent about the significance of international education to our future economic growth, global engagement and collaboration,” she said.

“It is important that international education continues to develop – and to broaden its remit to students from an even wider range of countries.”