Australia's business community and the independent tertiary education sector are aligned on a critical issue, that the Australian Government should tap into the supply of international graduates to help address Australia's workforce shortages.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education and international education providers. In the lead-up to the recent Jobs And Skills Summit, ITECA argued that reform was needed to allow international students to stay working in Australia if they have completed a course in a discipline with a skills shortage.
"It makes no sense that we're sending home international student graduates in areas such as engineering and healthcare when local employers are crying out for staff in these areas," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
This week, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), allied with each state and territory chamber of commerce, set out a three-point plan that proposes changing visa rules for more than 100,000 current international graduates already working in Australia. They are collectively advocating for:
- Allowing current temporary graduate visa holders, not just future graduates, to stay and work longer.
- Extending additional work rights to all graduates, not limited to select degrees, for at least the next financial year.
- Extending temporary graduate work visas by an additional two years to boost the workforce where university degrees are not required.
"This approach aligns with ITECA's advice to the Australian Government and is something that we believe should be urgently adopted," Mr Williams said.
According to Australian Government data, independent tertiary education providers support 54% of the 703,599 international student enrolments, including 96.5% of international skills training enrolments and 17.5% of international higher education enrolments.
"As these students complete their study, in the current economic environment, it is entirely sensible that we allow them to stay and work in Australia for longer. It would provide an immediate boost to available labour for critical jobs in key sectors," Mr Williams said.
ITECA is working with ACCI to secure these important international student visa framework changes.
"ITECA and ACCI have a shared view, it is a win-win for international students and local employers," Mr Williams said.
Key Facts:
According to Australian Government data, independent tertiary education providers support 54% of the 703,599 international student enrolments, including 96.5% of international skills training enrolments and 17.5% of international higher education enrolments.
About us:
ITECA Introduction: The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education and international education sectors. Independent providers support more than 87% of the 4.3 million students in skills training and around 10% of the 1.6 million students in a higher education awards program.
