SYDNEY, Nov. 25 (People’s Daily Online) -- According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, exports from Australia’s international education services sector reached a record high of AU$18.8 billion in financial year 2014-15 .

Minister for Tourism and International Education, Senator Richard Colbeck, said the figure increased by 15 per cent compared to the figures in financial year 2013-14, which shows the booming international education sector continues to go from strength to strength.

“These figures confirm that international education remains Australia’s largest services export and our third largest export overall after iron ore and coal,” Mr. Colbeck said.

"International education is also a major generator of jobs, with the sector supporting over 130,000 jobs in cities and regions throughout Australia.

Mr. Colbeck said the international education sector also helps to forge vital diplomatic, business and research links between Australia and key trading partner countries around the world.