Wellbeing teacher having a cup of tea with a student during a welfare and pastoral support chat

The Department of Education (the department) hosts international delegations consisting of overseas government officials, academics, and education practitioners. The program offers insights into Victoria's education policies and practices through presentations, meetings, roundtable discussions, and school visits with subject matter experts. It facilitates two-way information exchange for the mutual benefit of the department and delegates to maximise learning opportunities.

Benefits for schools and international delegates

Victorian schools host many international delegations interested in learning about Victoria's approach to education. Participation in the program provides an opportunity to build international connections that support global learning and share good practices in:

  • student health and wellbeing
  • teacher professional development and school management
  • curriculum and assessment
  • multicultural education
  • professional practice and showcase education excellence.

Victorian schools interested in hosting international delegations are requested to refer to the department’s Policy and Advisory Library:

Information for incoming international delegations

International delegation requests can be lodged either directly to the department by prospective international delegates or via the organisations they represent, including Victorian, Commonwealth and overseas government departments, schools, or third-party agents acting on behalf of international clients.

International delegations can request a visit to Victoria by notifying the International Education and Partnerships Division via email.

Delegation requests will need to:

  • allow at least three months before the intended travel to Victoria
  • ideally travel between March and October if school visit(s) are requested; and
  • attach a completed International Delegations Program - Request for Information form (see below) and email to ied.stakeholder.engagement@education.vic.gov.au

Upon receipt, International Education and Partnerships Division will assess proposed timeframes, fields of interest and objectives, and contact interested parties within approximately 2-4 business days. Once confirmed, the team will work with the incoming delegation to develop and coordinate a well-structured program meeting stated objectives and maximising strategic opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I express interest in setting up an international delegation visit?

Send a completed International Delegations Program - Request for Information form available for download above to the International Education and Partnerships Division (IEPD) Stakeholder Engagement team at ied.stakeholder.engagement@education.vic.gov.au at least 3 months before the intended visit time.

Do I need to provide additional documentation with my request for information form to set up a delegation?

Identifying specific topics and areas of interest within the department will assist the team to expedite your request. Please nominate a maximum of 2 areas of interest to meet quality and time requirements.

Further information may be requested by our team to best assist with your request.

What should I expect once I have submitted my completed Request for Information form?

You should expect a response from the IEPD in 2 - 4 business days.

What format do you suggest for my intended visit?

Generally, a meeting with the department up to 2 hours and a maximum of 2-3 school visits can be accommodated. Dates are subject to availability and it is recommended to nominate multiple date options in preference order.

What dates are best to travel to Victoria?

For capacity reasons, it is recommended to avoid peak administrative times from November to February and Victorian school holiday dates. Please also avoid selecting dates that fall on a Victorian public holiday.

Victorian winter is from June to August if you wish to avoid cold weather.

What services does the International Education and Partnerships Division provide?

The IEPD will provide support and guidance with:

  • liaising with appropriate program areas
  • drafting a program/agenda
  • booking a venue and organising building access
  • catering
  • in-room audio visual resources.

Flights, accommodation arrangements, transport, interpreting services, photography/videography and visas are the responsibility of incoming delegates.

I need to postpone or cancel my delegation – what do I need to do?

We understand circumstances can change. If you need to postpone or reschedule your plans, please contact the IEPD at ied.stakeholder.engagement@education.vic.gov.au as soon as possible . Based on notice lead time, costs for non-refundable services such as catering, and venue hire may be incurred and charged to the delegation.

Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the International Delegations program not listed here?

Please direct any queries relating to international delegations to the IEPD at ied.stakeholder.engagement@education.vic.gov.au

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