Australia needs a new strategy for international education, given shifts in geopolitical relations, technological advancements, and changing student preferences influence how international education is delivered and consumed. That’s the advice to the Australian Government from the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education and international education sectors.
“ITECA has advised the Minister for Education that it is appropriate for the Australian Government to develop a new international education strategy, considering the post-pandemic environment and the Australian Government’s new migration strategy,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
ITECA believes that while the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021–2030 stands as a solid framework, it is increasingly evident that an update is necessary to adapt to the evolving global marketplace for international education in the post-pandemic environment.
“Revising the strategy is crucial to ensure Australia remains a competitive and appealing destination for international students, adapting to new realities while capitalising on emerging opportunities in a dynamic global international education sector,” Mr Williams said.
In November 2023, the Australian Minister for Education released a document entitled A Partnership for the Future: Australia’s Education Strategy for India; however, there appears to be a disconnect between this document’s ambitions and the Australian Government’s migration strategy.
“Of concern to ITECA members is that although the Australian Government seeks to expand two-way partnerships with India, visa approvals for Indian students, especially in skills training, remain below historical averages. This inconsistency highlights the need for a more coordinated approach and a new international education strategy,” Mr Williams said.
Given ITECA’s role as the peak body representing independent skills training and higher education sector, the organisation looks forward to working with the Australian Government on a new strategy, should ITECA’s advocacy for a new strategy for an update be successful.
“We believe that formulating a new international education strategy tailored to current realities and future aspirations, one that supports the growth of quality providers in the skills training and higher education sectors,” Mr Williams said.
