Perth Welcomes International Students

The Welcome Desk initiative is a collaboration between Perth Airport, The City of Perth, The Department of Education Services, the five Perth universities (Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, Notre Dame University and The University of Western Australia), TAFE International WA and StudyPerth, as well as some key sponsors.

The Desk is manned and operated by student Airport Greeter volunteers, both local and international who greet and assist international students upon arrival thereby improving their first impression of Perth. They also receive a ‘Welcome Pack’ including a SIM card, water bottle, sunscreen, fun map, safety advice, backpack as well as discount offers to activities and tours.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa M Scaffidi said the City was delighted to be a partner in the exciting new service welcoming international students to Perth. "The Welcome Desk is another positive step in promoting Perth as a key destination for international students, and with our high liveability ranking and world class education and health facilities, Perth is an ideal place to live, work and study," Ms Scaffidi said.

Speaking at the official opening of the Desk today, Prof. Lyn Beazley AO FTSE, Chair of the StudyPerth Board, said “the project is the latest demonstration of Western Australia’s commitment to improve the overall international student experience, following the announcement late last year of the construction of new world-class student accommodation in Northbridge. We want our international students to feel welcome here and this is what the Welcome Desk is all about”.

“International students enhance Perth’s vibrancy through contributing to our city's cultural diversity. They also play a significant role in supporting our international partnerships and business links” said Prof Deborah Terry, Curtin University’s Vice-Chancellor.

As one of the new key priority areas for Perth Airport, CEO Kevin Brown said “Perth Airport is a critical player in the export industry in WA, providing the first and last impression and connectivity for our State as visitors transit through the terminals. With the first stage of our $1 billion redevelopment complete and our partnership with Study Perth, we are confident that international students are experiencing a high level of service and a quality travel experience. Students, tourism and fresh produce are all key export focus areas that Perth Airport will continue working in partnership to develop each to their full potential.”

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said it was important to provide a welcoming visitor service to international students on arrival.

“Every international student in WA attracts an average of 1.5 people to the State for the purpose of visiting friends and relatives. International education and tourism work together to attract visitor spending and jobs to Western Australia.”

Each year Western Australia attracts over 59,000 international student enrolments to its universities, colleges and schools. The industry generates $1.39 billion in course fees and other spending, making it WA’s second largest service sector industry after tourism.

The StudyPerth Welcome Desk is located in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1. During the semester one intake the Desk will operate from 11 January to 1 March from 5:00am to 9:00am, 12:00pm-- 8:00pm and 10:00pm-2:00am.

- ENDS -