Australia’s international student intake has hit a record high, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).As of 2017, Australia’s inbound education market is worth $28.6bn, strengthening its place as our third largest export industry.In 2017 Australia hosted a record number of international students as more than 550,000 students from over 190 different nations arrived in the country.Schools in NSW and Victoria have been the most popular destination for international students, with figures from last year showing 2,920 enrolments in NSW state schools and 2,815 in Victorian schools.And this trend is driving revenue for many cash-strapped schools, with students paying fees of up to $14,000 to study in public schools.Yesterday, Professor Mike Clements, Chief Academic Offer of the Australian Technical Management College (ATMC), pointed to the importance of managed campus solutions in maintaining the long-term growth of this market.“Our experience at ATMC is that our international students make a significant contribution to our economy that goes far beyond their initial enrolment fees,” Professor Clements said.“Specifically, we find that when we connect our students with meaningful learning opportunities, the economy sees a strong flow on effect for years after they graduate.”Professor Clements said managed campuses foster long-term relationships with global students who will return in order to upgrade their skills, spearhead business initiatives and share their knowledge.For universities and VET providers, such as the University of the Sunshine Coast, Federation University, Charles Darwin University, and The Baxter Institute, Professor Clements said this is approach is “a smart investment”.Dr Manish Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ATMC, agrees.“The demand for higher education opportunities in our region is high. Many countries have a shortage of skilled graduates and they simply don’t have the resources to train them at home,” Dr Malhotra said.“Having a managed campus solution makes it easier for universities to connect with the demands of the international student market in a meaningful way.”