A new agreement that establishes a clear and efficient recognition process for Australian and Indian qualifications has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.
The new "Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications" agreement was signed in Delhi by the Australian Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, and the Indian Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Hon. Dharmendra Pradhan. This new agreement aims to minimise barriers to the recognition of qualifications in a timely manner, leading to better outcomes for Australian and Indian students, graduates, academics, researchers and education and training institutions.
"This is a significant agreement for Australian independent skills training and higher education providers looking to support students wishing to study in Australia. It's also great news for those providers wishing to deliver programs in India," said ITECA Chief Executive, Troy Williams.
Mr Williams was part of a small delegation of higher education leaders who accompanied Minister Clare to Delhi for a series of bilateral meetings with their Indian counterparts, including one in which the Ministers signed the agreement.
Government data referenced in the ITECA State of The Sector Report shows that India is the single largest overseas market for Australia's independent tertiary education providers.
"Recognition of Australian qualifications by the Indian Government will support transnational education, allowing students with Indian qualifications to pursue further education in Australia and vice versa. Significantly, these students will not have to undergo a complex and time-consuming process of getting their qualifications recognised by training providers or employers," Mr Williams said.
The agreement, the most broad-ranging of its kind signed by the Indian Government, will strengthen the reputation for quality that independent skills training providers have in India.
"Recognition of Australian qualifications by the Indian government will enhance the employment standing of Indian students who have completed their education in Australia, thereby increasing their employability and future career prospects," Mr Williams said.
ITECA also notes that the agreement is significant in a broader trade context.
"This agreement strengthens the bilateral relations between Australia and India. It will encourage the cooperation between the two countries in the field of education and facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise across areas critical to both nation's economies," Mr Williams said.
Agreements of this kind are essential to the independent tertiary education sector. Government data referenced in the ITECA State of The Sector Report shows that independent skills training and higher education providers support around 54% of all international student visa holders in Australia.
