Amit Chakma: International Education Value Lies in Cross-Market Opportunities

Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Western Australia, told an audience that international education's primary benefit is not just revenue but the cross-border connections it builds. He said students who study abroad become part of a global talent pool that strengthens both their home countries and host nations.

Chakma pointed to the growing competition among universities in the Asia-Pacific region, where institutions are vying for international students. He argued that universities should focus on creating partnerships that allow students to move seamlessly between academic systems, rather than treating education as a one-way export.

The vice-chancellor also highlighted the role of alumni networks in sustaining these cross-market opportunities. Graduates who have studied in multiple countries often become bridges for trade, research collaboration, and diplomatic ties, he said.

Chakma's remarks come as Australian universities face shifting enrollment patterns, with more students from India and Southeast Asia. He urged institutions to adapt curricula and support services to meet the needs of a more diverse student body, ensuring that the value of international education is shared equitably.

He concluded by calling on policymakers and university leaders to view international education as a long-term investment in global cooperation, not a short-term financial fix.