International students today will meet with Federal and State Education Ministers from around Australia as part of the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) to discuss their experiences and report on the recent International Students Roundtable.

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, will chair the meeting in Brisbane where three students selected at the Roundtable will be given the opportunity to deliver their communiqué directly to State Ministers.

The students were selected from the 31 representatives who met earlier this month in Canberra. More than 1300 applications to attend the roundtable were received from all states and territories, broadly representing the diversity of international students studying in Australia.

The Roundtable is part of a comprehensive suite of activities designed to ensure that the vitally important international education sector continues to enjoy its enviable international reputation.

At MCTEE, Education Ministers will also hear progress reports on the International Student Strategy being developed at the request of COAG (Council of Australian Governments). The strategy will:
•    Improve the experience for international students through better information before they arrive and then once in Australia
•    Improve the engagement of international students with the broader Australian community
•    Improve the safety of students through State and Territory police services
•    Enhance general educational offerings that develop cultural understanding, tolerance and language skills
•    Ensure the quality of education providers.

For information and advice on studying in Australia, read the new issue of i-studentadvisor Australia online now.