Austrade and IDP Connect partnership

International students considering an Australian education will soon have access to better information about courses, scholarships and institutions thanks to a new partnership between the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and IDP Connect.

The strategic partnership will see IDP Connect – a division of IDP Education – work with Austrade, under the Study Australia Partnership, to make the Study in Australia website (studyinaustralia.gov.au) and channels more effective in communicating the important information international students are looking for when deciding where to study.

Rebecca Hall, Head of International Education Centre of Excellence, Austrade, said it is now more important than ever to give students clear and accurate information.

“The changes in course delivery and travel restrictions due to COVID-19 have left many prospective international students overwhelmed and, in some cases, unable to pursue their study ambitions in Australia,” Ms Hall said.

“The partnership with IDP will allow us to better communicate the high-quality options and support available to students in Australia.

“International students play a vital part of our communities. Austrade’s mission is to reinforce Australia’s standing as a welcoming, safe and supportive study destination.”

The partnership will leverage IDP’s recent digital initiatives including virtual events, smartphone applications and virtual counselling and its Digital Campus, which was recently formally opened by Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan.

Vik Singh, General Manager APAC, IDP Connect, said the partnership between Austrade and IDP is a win for students.

“IDP is excited to partner with Austrade and build on our existing work with state-based channels in Australia as we continue on our mission to create a global connected community and trusted platform for students,” Mr Singh said.

“We know it can be hard for students to decipher what information they can trust in an ever-changing environment. Through this partnership with Austrade, we will ensure students have a source of truth for information and can navigate their study options in Australia with clarity and confidence.”

Simon Emmett, CEO, IDP Connect, said the partnership is an important development, particularly in a challenging period for the international education sector.

“We know from our applicant research the demand for an Australian education remains high among international students, but there is a narrow window of opportunity to convert that interest,” said Mr Emmett.

“As competition between study destinations increases, students are looking for clear and timely information from governments and the sector on course options, fees, visas and support available.

“The collaboration between Austrade and IDP marks an important advancement towards rebuilding one of Australia’s most important sectors as we collectively support students on their education journey.”

About the Study Australia Partnership All Australian state and territory study destinations work in partnership with Austrade and other Australian government agencies to deliver information and services to international students. This marketing alliance is called the Study Australia Partnership. We are working together to improve coordination of key information for students and agents.

The Study Australia website is just one way we are collaborating. Study Australia partners deliver important services, localised to the needs of their student communities and integrated with other business and community services.

About Austrade The Australian Trade and Investment Commission – Austrade – is Australia’s leading trade and investment agency.

We are experts in connecting Australian businesses to the world and the world to Australian businesses.

We have a proud history of helping Australian businesses pursue their global ambitions and have the power to open doors, unlock opportunities and help Australian businesses go further, faster.

We help attract game-changing investment to Australia, to support new industries, enhance existing ones and bolster our world-class research and development – strengthening global supply chains, creating local jobs and boosting the economy.

With over 80 offices around the world, our experts in Australia and abroad collaborate to provide the best ‘in-country’ advice.

Our diverse team, consisting of country experts, industry specialists, and trade and investment analysts, provides clients with actionable macro and micro insights.

From trade and investment processes to protocols and regulation - we help Australian businesses, big or small, navigate complex overseas markets and make it easier for them to go global.

At the same time, our advice, contacts and support at every step, reduce the commercial risk of exporting to overseas markets.

And, our work continues. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, we are transforming our services, to help ensure Australia’s growth and a global future for all.

About IDP Connect IDP Connect is a division of IDP Education, global leaders in student marketing and recruitment. Working with institutions as true partners, IDP Connect understands institution needs and enhances their capabilities with the transformative power of data, insights, tech solutions and engaged student communities.

IDP Connect also runs successful technology partnerships with universities, governments and peak bodies, ranging from extensive course and scholarship search functions, to bespoke translated microsites for client websites.

IDP Connect is truly embedded in the markets its educational partners operate in and gives them access to over 30 countries’ worth of in-market knowledge. It also has a trusted student audience of 100 million visits from prospective students across its sites each year.

IDP Connect’s exclusive real-time data provides institutions with actionable insights to drive and inform their marketing and recruitment strategies.

For media, please contact: Austrade media team media@austrade.gov.au +61 2 9392 2873

Katie Duncan IDP Connect katie.duncan@idp-connect.com +61 426 856 054