The Federal Government has proposed a $53 million lifeline for private colleges. 

Commonwealth support during the COVID-19 pandemic was kept away from universities, contributing to the loss of around $10 billion from Australia’s lucrative international education sector.

But now, the government is coming to realise what a serious cost this was, announcing a $53 million budget measure to fund private higher education institutes, VET colleges and English language schools

The money should allow an extra 5,000 short course places, and see colleges adapt their business models to survive without international students.

The funding will go to courses at 100 colleges known as “non-university higher education providers”, which are not universities but typically enrol high numbers of international students. 

Another $17.7 million will be spent waiving registration fees for colleges, English language schools and up to 3500 VET providers until December.

Grants of up to $150,000 will be offered for English language colleges to expand their delivery of online courses, in a bid to boost offshore enrolments.

The latest data shows international student enrolments are down 12 per cent at universities, but language schools and training colleges have seen declines of up to 70 per cent.

The Federal Government says eligibility guidelines will be finalised by July 1.