Foreigners fast filling state’s TAFE enrolments

QUEENSLAND is hoping to lure more Koreans to its shores to learn English, cookery and nursing as the flow of international students grows, bucking a national trend.

Training and Skills Minister Shannon Fentiman said more than 2000 students were enrolled in the state’s TAFEs this month – an increase of nearly 4 per cent on the previous year.

That compares to a 2.4 per cent decline in international TAFE students nationally.

But about 7000 Korean students study in Queensland across the whole year, with the country leading the list of top source markets.

China, Columbia, Brazil and Taiwan round out the top five international enrolments.

“This is great news for our thriving training industry and a result of our world class training on offer,” Ms Fentiman said.

The most popular courses were intensive English studies, cookery, nursing, hospitality management and vehicle mechanics.

Ms Fentiman said the state was hoping to further capitalise on a South Korea trade mission she led last month with a focus on education.

“Queensland has a strong trading relationship with South Korea and deep cultural relations,” she said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said additional good news was in a recent global survey that found 82 per cent of international students in Queensland TAFEs and colleges would recommend their school to a friend, compared to 79 per cent nationally.