CHINESE alumni of Australian universities continue to bolster the local economy years after graduation, with the majority returning at least once and 20 per cent coming back more than five times over a five-year period.

A survey of Chinese alumni by Victoria University researcher Jo Pyke found 65 per cent of 1200 alumni interviewed for the research said they had returned at least once within the past five years, and over 90 per cent said they intended to return.

Each year 150,000 Chinese students come to Australian universities to study. If only 50 per cent returned over five years, more than $100 million would be injected back into the economy every year.

“[Trade and tertiary education minister] Craig Emerson recently told a trade forum in Melbourne not to underestimate the power of alumni,” Dr Pyke said.

“But we don't know much about our alumni. Overseas, alumni relations is huge and a fundamental part of university operations and it's not given a lot of profile in Australia.”

The research suggests the economic value of education to the Australian economy is much greater than the $14.7 billion contribution claimed in 2012.

“This is a very sophisticated group. All of them hold a university degree and 60 per cent of those interviewed held a masters degree. They come back for at least two weeks for multiple reasons – have a holiday, catch up with friends, do business, undertake further study or professional activities.”

Edward Smith, a Beijing-based business consultant and founder of the Australia China Alumni Association, said it was a struggle to get the tourism industry to think more long-term about overseas students, particularly the Chinese who make up 40 per cent of international higher education enrolments.

“There is a multiplier effect. They study here for between three and eight years. Family and friends visit during that time. Once graduated they come back, many times, with friends, parents, spouses, children. And they also recommend Australia as a destination.”

Mr Smith noted that Prime Minister Julia Gillard will host a dinner celebrating 40 years of collaboration in education and science while in China next week. Forty prominent alumni are expected to attend.

Source: The Australian