International student demand for Adelaide education institutions will be the focus of discussion in the next Fearless Conversation, to be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 13 October.

Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling will be joined by Glenunga International High School Principal, and Flinders alumna, Wendy Johnson and Study Adelaide Chief Executive Karyn Kent, to discuss the issues facing the education sector.

The panel, hosted by The Advertiser’s education writer Chris Russell, will also discuss the changing face of universities and the need for school curriculum reviews.

Ms Kent says South Australian universities and other education providers have continued to take inquiries from international students and agents throughout the pandemic, and the sector continues to work closely with the government to ensure that students are able to return safely.

“The demand for international education has not gone away. The only barrier is the ability to enter Australia,” she says.

“International education is the state’s second-largest export at about $1.85 billion,” she says. “It had reached over $2 billion before the pandemic, so we are starting to see a decline and we’re keen to see students return – not just for the economic reasons, but also for their social and multicultural contributions.

“They add to the fabric and the vibrancy of Adelaide, so we’re hopeful to see students start coming back towards the end of this year.”

You can watch and listen to the Fearless Conversations here.