What is CISWA?

CISWA is short for “Council for International Students of Western Australia” and is an independent, voluntary, non-profit group promoting the wellbeing of international students studying in Western Australia.

Originally funded by AusAid, CISWA was established in 1963 in response to the demand for support services for the 1000 international students studying in Western Australia. Over fifty years on, CISWA remains the only organization of its kind in Australia, though the number of international students in WA has grown to over 50,000.

CISWA supports the staff who work with international students, running an affordable Professional Development (PD) Program and an Annual Conference currently in its 30th year in 2023.

President’s Welcome

Acknowledging that the years 2020-2022 were challenging for all in the international education sector – institutions and students alike – CISWA takes the opportunity to celebrate the return to Western Australia of many international students. We welcome back students and acknowledge the support of the Western Australian Government and its International Education Renewal and Recovery Plan, led by the Premier and the Minister for International Education.

Some WA institutions are welcoming more international students in 2023 than ever before; while welcome, we acknowledge this places significant demands on staff working with our students. CISWA is here to help!

CISWA’s Professional Development (PD) workshops and our annual conference are the main activities we provide for staff working in the international education sector – in schools, colleges, and universities. Our training sessions are run by experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds in international education, who volunteer their time to share their knowledge and experience to develop a strong skills base among staff in WA institutions.

The benefits of international education include positive cultural interchange and deep connections for all; CISWA believes our international student community enriches our understanding of others, and strengthens our institutions, communities, and our nation.

Best wishes,

Celia Cornwell
CISWA President