This month's Australian Budget should prioritise investment in the appointment of a new Australian International Education Commissioner according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education and international education providers.
"At a national level, policy responsibility for international education is split between four government departments. There is no effective coordination of the activities of these government agencies; however, ITECA readily recognises the commitment of senior public servants doing their best to support the sector," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
ITECA is a strong proponent for the appointment of an Australian International Education Commissioner. The role of the Commissioner would be to provide advice and recommendations to the Australian Government on whole-of-government strategies to achieve the sustained growth of Australian education exports, to ensure the sector's resilience from external shocks and to monitor and protect the welfare of international students in Australia.
"The Commissioner would play a critical role in coordinating the different aspects of the Australian Government's international education regulatory and promotion architecture and provide a single point of reference for state / territory governments and education providers," Mr Williams said.
As the international education sector continues to be frustrated by delays in student visa approvals, the Commissioner would play a crucial role coordinating a whole-of-government response that support both the international education sector and students.
"Right now, overseas students wanting to come to Australia to study are getting mixed messages from the Australian Government. The Department of Education says that the borders are open, Austrade is actively trying to encourage students to come to Australia and education providers to proactively engage internationally. However, the work of the Department of Home Affairs often acts in a way that is directly contradictory to the work of Austrade and Education as well as state and territory agencies. Both providers and students would benefit from a more cohesive approach by government," Mr Williams said.
First and foremost, the Commissioner would be tasked with working across government to develop coordinated approaches to support the international education sector's sustainability.
"The Commissioner would play the lead role in identifying what is required to support the sustained growth in Australia's international education sector along with ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to protect the welfare of international students studying in Australia,' Mr Williams said.
Australia's 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.
Key Facts:
Australia's independent tertiary education providers support 54% of the 703,599 international student enrolments. This includes 96.5% of international skills training enrolments and 17.5% of international higher education enrolments.
About us:
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing non-government vocational training, higher education and international education providers.
