Melbourne aims to become a world-leading city for students under a new plan adopted by the City of Melbourne in July.
Councilors unanimously approved the new plan at the Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) meeting on 9 July, increasing existing efforts to support the CBD's international student community until 2025.
Mayor Nicholas Rees said international students were a “vital part of modern Melbourne”.
“They bring so much energy and dynamism to our city,” Cr Reece said.
The mayor said Melbourne was “well placed” to accommodate more international students and would work with universities and accommodation providers to create more housing for students over the next few years.
Cr Reece also pledged to write to the federal government about the negative impact the proposed cap on international student numbers would have on the CBD.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Victoria's international education sector will generate $14.8 billion in revenue through 2023, making it the state's most important export.
More than 234,000 international students studied in Victoria in 2023, accounting for 38 per cent and 39 per cent of the resident population in postcode 3000 and Carlton, respectively.
An economic report submitted to the FMC by the council manager found that the return of international students following the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to an increase in consumer spending in the CBD.
Australian International Education Association CEO Phil Honeywood told MPs that only 4 per cent of Australia's rental market was occupied by international students.
Mr Honeywood said recent discussions linking international students to higher rents would have a “PR effect” for Australia and test local diaspora communities.
The council's latest plans set out a news marketing strategy aimed at attracting more students and topping the QS Best Cities for Students rankings in the coming years.
In June this year, QS ranked Melbourne second to Berlin for the best student experience in the world.
The council will also work with universities, local businesses and the diaspora to encourage students to stay in Australia and fill local skills gaps.
Philippe Le Rue paid tribute to former city councilors Ken Ong and John Soh, who inspired his current work to make Melbourne a world-class study destination. Both are former international students who have now become Australian citizens.
“The fact that we're here now with the funding and the team is really a testament to how far we've come,” Cr Le Liu said.
Cr Reece said there was no time limit on the motion's implementation plan, but it should be treated as a priority in parliamentary management.
