The South Australian opposition wants to lift the number of international students in Adelaide to 40,000 in 10 years.

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall says if the Liberals win the state election in March, they will develop a plan to attract more students including funding for Education Adelaide, which provides visiting students with continuing support.

“This 40,000 student target in 10 years is an important economic driver for our state,” Mr Marshall said on Thursday.

“The more people active in our economy, the better. International students shop, rent, travel, and contribute to CBD vibrancy. This means job creation.”

Mr Marshall said boosting student numbers would have a knock-on effect for the construction, retail and tourism industries.