An initiative aimed at attracting international students to Nova Scotian post-secondary institutions received $185,000 from the federal government on Wednesday.

Bernard Valcourt, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced the feds are extending funding to EduNova for a second year.

“Our education sector is one we can boast (about) throughout the world,” Valcourt told reporters.

“(EduNova is) on the world stage selling the education potential of Nova Scotia to the whole world. I think this is great.”

EduNova is a partnership of around 20 institutions, including universities, private education centres, and private sector groups. It aims to increase the educational and economic benefits of bringing international students to study in the province.

Once they get here, international students pay over $7,000 more than Canadians in tuition per year. Valcourt said that amount is still competitive, when compared to the United States and Europe.