2024-06-20
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Study Abroad
Australian stakeholders oppose caps in framework submissions
Australian Universities Fight Back Against International Student Caps
Australian stakeholders oppose caps in framework submissions
The Australian government's draft Framework for International Education has faced strong criticism from stakeholders, particularly the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, which oppose the proposed cap on international student enrollments. They argue that the cap if implemented, could potentially have disastrous effects on Australian society and the economy, a concern shared by many in the international education sector.
The Go8 emphasizes their joint efforts with the government to improve the sector by addressing issues such as agent accountability and implementing the Genuine Student requirement for student visas. However, they are deeply concerned that the Draft Framework will undermine the quality and integrity of the international education sector, particularly impacting public institutions. They recommend that public providers, universities, and TAFEs should not be subject to caps and that 2025 should be used as a transition year for further consultation.
The University of Melbourne, a Go8 member, echoes these concerns, stating that the caps penalize the sector for a temporary increase in student numbers due to the pandemic. They urge the government to prioritize integrity measures in 2025 and defer any caps until 2026 to allow for feasible implementation and reduce risks to the sector and economy.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) also responds, describing the consultation as 'sub-optimal' and disputing claims that the VET sector is solely responsible for a big jump in international enrollments. ITECA strongly recommends a more collaborative approach that values all industry stakeholders' input in developing the Draft Framework to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
In summary, stakeholders call for a more evidence-based and collaborative approach to the Draft Framework to ensure it supports a vibrant and sustainable international education sector.
The Go8 emphasizes their joint efforts with the government to improve the sector by addressing issues such as agent accountability and implementing the Genuine Student requirement for student visas. However, they are deeply concerned that the Draft Framework will undermine the quality and integrity of the international education sector, particularly impacting public institutions. They recommend that public providers, universities, and TAFEs should not be subject to caps and that 2025 should be used as a transition year for further consultation.
The University of Melbourne, a Go8 member, echoes these concerns, stating that the caps penalize the sector for a temporary increase in student numbers due to the pandemic. They urge the government to prioritize integrity measures in 2025 and defer any caps until 2026 to allow for feasible implementation and reduce risks to the sector and economy.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) also responds, describing the consultation as 'sub-optimal' and disputing claims that the VET sector is solely responsible for a big jump in international enrollments. ITECA strongly recommends a more collaborative approach that values all industry stakeholders' input in developing the Draft Framework to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
In summary, stakeholders call for a more evidence-based and collaborative approach to the Draft Framework to ensure it supports a vibrant and sustainable international education sector.
