International education
Investing in International Education
South Australia’s business environment encourages and enables education institutions to have greater interface with academia, providing easy access to skilled workers and establishing rapid capability.
The world-leading capability in our state’s education sector across industries provides the opportunity to access multiple specialisations such as space, defence and digital-tech in one place, and is aligned with industry and the needs for a future skilled workforce.
Our connectivity between education, innovation and international partners enable significant investments in infrastructure, including:
- 8,000 purpose-built student accommodation options completed or in progress
- $500 million committed to purpose-built student accommodation construction.
To learn more about South Australia's International Education sector, view the International Education 2030 Plan.
International Education 2030 Plan
Download PDF |
1.7 MB

Investment advantages
South Australia is a place where industry, government and business foster innovation and entrepreneurship. We have an advanced environment for new start-ups and an ecosystem for growing technology and creative enterprises.
Adelaide’s size offers expansion opportunities for locations across the city and improved government flexibility to fast-track key infrastructure within the international education sector.
Our international education sector attracts approximately 45,000 student enrolments to South Australia each year which drive new investment in construction and services, boosting retail, hospitality and tourism.

Connected ecosystem
Our international education sector is well connected across academia, industry and research and development and, with the assistance of targeted career and migration programs, South Australia attracts international students and retains them post-graduation.
We work closely with StudyAdelaide, South Australia’s marketing body dedicated to targeting global digital campaigns for international education.
South Australia's key education institutions for international students include The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia, Torrens University Australia, Carnegie Mellon University Australia, TAFE SA and South Australian Government Schools.
South Australia's key education institutions for international students include The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia, Torrens University Australia, Carnegie Mellon University Australia, TAFE SA and South Australian Government Schools.

Primary contact
Related resources
International Education 2030
International Education 2030 sets an ambitious target of achieving a $3 billion industry and employing 23,500 South Australians by the year 2030 in education-related jobs and those within the wider economy.
Adelaide Student Accommodation Demand and Supply Analysis - JLL Report
JLL report 2019South Australia’s future accommodation needs for the growing demand from international students has been outlined in an independent JLL report commissioned by the South Australian Government. The report outlines the demand and supply landscape for purpose-built student accommodation for international students in Adelaide city and surrounding suburbs.
Adelaide Student Accommodation Demand and Supply Analysis - JLL Report
Download PDF |
2.98 MB
International education is South Australia's largest services export
The ‘International Education in South Australia 2018’ report delivers a comprehensive and in-depth account of the international education sector in South Australia and expands on the sectors future trends and opportunities. The report will help to inform a new international education strategy for South Australia, due to be released in 2019.
International education in South Australia
Download PDF |
3.31 MB
Case studies
Investors back $45 million fund to drive biotech industry
Emerging South Australian biotechnologies will be accelerated through a Chinese-backed $AU45 million investment fund aimed at commercialising health research for the global market. Read the full story.
The establishment of this fund is a notable milestone in strengthening our local investment landscape.
Dr Viraj Perera
UniSA Ventures