New agreement to attract more international students to Central Australia

International students are being given more opportunities to live and find employment in Central Australia, thanks to a new partnership between Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Central Desert Regional Council.

Alice Springs is quickly becoming a drawcard for international students, who are keen to experience the tourism offerings of the Red Centre, but also discover career development and new job opportunities.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is increasing efforts to attract further international students to study in Alice Springs, while also creating further study exchange opportunities for other students overseas that might be keen to develop their careers and consider employment in the region.

CDU is in the process of signing the partnership agreement with the Central Desert Regional Council to offer placement opportunities for students.

Recently, a group of international students have joined a Charles Darwin University (CDU) lecturer on a trip to Alice Springs to network with local employers and explore employment opportunities in the Red Centre.

The students visited CDU’s Alice Springs campus, where they met with Associate Vice-Chancellor Jay Walker to learn about the vision for the future of the campus and to experience what studying and working on in Central Australia might be like. 

The group of four international students visited places such as the Central Desert Regional Council, DoubleTree by Hilton, Desert Knowledge Australia, Red Cross and the Verve Group, where they met with employers and staff and discussed potential skill vacancies that they could fill.

The students are studying a Master of Professional Accounting, a profession that is much needed in Alice Springs during the current peak of the skill shortage.

CDU Lecturer in Business and Coordinator of professional practice, Roopali Misra, organised the tour in May with funding support from Study NT and NTG and said the opportunity has inspired the students to consider employment opportunities and relocating to Alice Springs.

“The students could see the need for talent in Central Australia and they are considering moving there to fill the shortage,” Ms Misra said.

“Students could explore the opportunities by hearing from the industry directly and learning about their labour shortage. Having this experience was an eye-opener for our students.”

Ms Misra said the students’ arrival was well-received by local businesses and employers.

“Employers in Alice Springs were excited about the program and placements, as well as interest from students to come to Alice Springs,” she said.

“Staying there for three days gave the students a good understanding of the living and working conditions. The students have discovered they have a unique advantage and are keen for the opportunities.”