Global Qualifications Treaty welcomed by Independent Tertiary Education Council

AUSTRALIA's acceptance of an international treaty for the recognition of tertiary education qualifications has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.

“As a nation, we can be proud of the quality offered by independent tertiary education providers.  This new treaty provides a platform for the qualifications awarded by them to be recognised across the globe,” ITECA chief executiveTroy Williams said.

The Australian Government has recognised that 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 worldwide.

“Independent skills training and higher education providers offer qualifications in areas as diverse as law, nursing, aviation, mining, IT and communications, through to construction, transport and logistics.  It’s great that these qualifications will empower students in the global marketplace,” Mr Williams said.

With provisions on non-traditional learning modes, the Global Convention also facilitates the recognition of qualifications, prior learning and study periods earned remotely.

“The convention provides a clear framework for recognition of qualifications delivered online and backs Australia’s robust recognition of prior learning framework.  In many respects, the Convention plays to the strengths of Australia’s tertiary education system,” Mr Williams said.

According to ITECA, successive Australian Governments' commitments to continuous improvement of the skills training and higher education systems provide a basis for the global reputation of independent teriary education providers for quality.

“We’ve had a review of the Australian Qualifications Framework, the considerable skills reform agenda and now a further review of higher education.  Each of these has helped create a framework in which independent skills training and higher education providers have established an internationally renowned reputation for excellence,” Mr Williams said.

The new UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education will be considered at the ITEC23 International Education Symposium convened by ITECA on June 8, 2023 at the Sofitel Gold Coast.

Independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) support more than 87 percent of the 4.3 million students in skills training, including more than half of all apprentices and trainees.  Independent providers also support around 10 percent of the 1.6 million students in a higher education awards program.

www.iteca.edu.au

 

Background

Established in 1992, ITECA is the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.

The new Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education establishes establishes universal principles for fair, transparent and non-discriminatory recognition of higher education qualifications and qualifications giving access to higher education and offering avenues for further study and employment.

 

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