The Government is supporting the recovery of the international education sector in Victoria with the expansion of the innovative Future Founders program.
Acting Minister for Trade Jaala Pulford announced this weekend that Study Melbourne will once again team up with the State Library Victoria’s StartSpace to launch an expanded and revamped $500,000, year-long program in 2021.
Delivered across onsite and online platforms, the program will include community roadshows led by industry experts, immersive bootcamps, the Future Founders Festival and Australia’s first international student incubator initiative, with $10,000 venture scholarships on offer for up to eight startup teams, an official press release said.
Participants will have the chance to learn from leading business entrepreneurs to bolster their career readiness and build networks in the Victorian business community, and the program will also engage international students offshore through Victoria’s innovative new Study Melbourne Hubs initiative.
The five hubs – to be based in Asia, India and Latin America—are designed to create a pathway for students to study in Victoria and better support overseas students studying online.
The investment is part of the Government’s $33.4 million International Education Short-Term Recovery Plan announced in the Victorian Budget 2020-21, which includes initiatives to reset and stimulate the sector and position Victoria for recovery.
There are 90,000 international students currently studying in Victoria, along with thousands more enrolled online overseas.
“International students are valued members of the Victorian community—the Future Founders program will give these students the support, skills and networks they need for employment or launching their own startup,” Pulford said.
International education was Victoria’s largest services export in 2019, contributing $13.7 billion to the state’s economy and supporting around 79,000 Victorian jobs.
For more information about the Future Founders program go to startspacehq.com/
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
