in focus 7 june 2010
National Monday Update Issue:
International Education data worsening
ACPET has in the last week analysed trends in the international education sector which are cause for the deepest concern by the industry, Government and the Australian community. The analysis clearly demonstrates the worsening situation affecting Australia’s international education industry and the significant social and economic damage being suffered across the economy.
Lead data on visa applications shows that international student numbers are estimated to fall by 125,000 in the next year at a cost of $3.6bn and 31,000 jobs to the Australian economy. ACPET’s concerns were reported in the Sunday Age this weekend under the heading “Student drop hits economy”.
For over 18 months, ACPET has raised concerns with the Australian Government about the impact of a policy environment characterised recently by delays in the release of SOL, unsatisfactory transition arrangements for existing students and changes to country assessment level changes impacting packaged courses.
Government’s failure to acknowledge these concerns and undertake genuine consultation with industry has led to significant impacts on Australia’s reputation in education and trade, our cultural exchange with countries in this region as well as the national economy.
The Australian Government, particularly DIAC, has failed in its obligations under COAG principles to consult adequately with stakeholders upon changes to regulatory practices. The Department has dismissed suggestions made in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation between our industry and Government. ACPET has worked constructively with the Australian Government through its Agencies and it is regretful that these issues have been managed by Government in contrast to this experience.
Using the expertise of ACPET members, we have simple effective solutions to put on the table which will deliver the Government's objectives, while at the same time maintaining the most innovative international education sector that has laid the future path of quality international education offered by Australia.
A recent independent survey of over 10,000 students found that over 85% of students attending ACPET member colleges were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. These results compare favourably with experience by international students attending public universities and TAFEs.
Against this positive background, our international education industry is experiencing a severe decline in enrolments and what may appear as a market contraction is in fact the student market relocating to competitor nations. In simple terms, demand has not dropped it has just moved elsewhere.
ACPET is committed to supporting high quality training outcomes for all students and has progressively implemented initiatives aimed at promoting quality training and protecting the interests of students. We are of the view that the vast majority of institutions are committed to the sustainable delivery of quality training outcomes. Our support for a strengthened regulatory regime that is effective in achieving a strong and sustainable industry has been documented but we are concerned that such activity does not adversely impact the operations of proven, quality institutions.
Members can be assured that we will continue to fight for our industry and our members who are suffering the outcomes of incoherent and ill-considered policy development.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (click to email )Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (Andrew Smith)) to discuss any of the above or to provide your ideas and input into the ongoing development of the Council.