Australia has joined the first worldwide treaty in higher education, making it easier for Australian education institutions and their students to be more globally mobile.
The new UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education ensures students who study with Australian education institutions will have their qualifications recognised in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner around the world.
The global pandemic's disruption to education access and continuity has highlighted the importance of providing high-quality education beyond traditional in-person and in-country models.
Australia's participation in the Global Convention assures students that they can more readily access higher education study, including qualifications, using diverse forms of learning such as online or blended learning, joint degrees, microcredentials and offshore campus delivery.
Australia has been a long-standing pioneer in the delivery of new and innovative education, boosting access and participation for both Australians and international students from around the world, and ensuring a high-quality student experience.
Australia will continue to work with other countries across the globe to establish collaborative networks, share information and developments about our education system, and to develop knowledge platforms and tools required for global cooperation in this field.
Providing accessible information about Australia's education system and quality frameworks, education institutions and qualifications that is easy to understand can vastly improve understanding, recognition and trust in Australian qualifications and advance our global competitiveness.
Australia will continue to champion best practices globally to support two-way mobility of students and graduates.
Signature of the Global Convention is a significant outcome under the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030.
It reflects Australia's leadership in regional and global qualifications recognition to optimise the benefits of international education and Australia's rigorous education standards.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:
"Australia's ratification of the Global Convention is a significant education milestone.
"The 1.4 million students who study at our universities each year can now have even greater confidence that their Australian qualification, whether undertaken onshore, offshore or online, will be recognised in other countries, helping them to access higher education abroad, as well as pursue greater employment opportunities."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor:
"Australia has a comprehensive education and training system with established pathways across school, vocational education and training, higher education and employment.
"Being part of the Global Convention will boost international recognition of Australia's world-class, vocational education and training graduates who are equipped with skills ready for the jobs of the 21st Century."
