Independent international education sector responds to migration system reforms

THE outcomes arising from the Australian Government's review of the migration system have been broadly welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training and higher education sectors.

Given that independent skills training and higher education providers support more than half of the onshore international student enrolments, the Australian Government’s announcements are critical for ITECA members, an internal report found.

“ITECA members agree with the Australian Government that students need simple pathways to stay in Australia if they have the skills and capabilities that businesses need," ITECA chief executive Troy Williams said.

"In that context, ITECA looks forward to working with both the Minister for Education and the Minister for Skills and Training to ensure that independent tertiary education providers committed to quality can continue supporting international students wanting to come to Australia,” Mr Williams said.

The linkages between international education and addressing Australia’s skills needs are critical areas of reform, according to ITECA.

“From the perspective of the international education sector, it’s great to see a commitment to closer alignment of the nation’s skills needs and international education.  The Minister is correct to say that the migration system will never be a substitute for adequately skilling Australian workers, but there are also benefits in leveraging the skills of international students in Australia with the education and skills our economy needs,” Mr Williams said.

ITECA has welcomed a more appropriate architecture for international student visa processing.

“International students and Australia’s international education sector are baffled by too many visa categories and lengthy processing arrangements that produce inconsistent outcomes.  ITECA members welcome a more transparent and less complicated system,” Mr Williams said.

Of interest to ITECA members is a commitment to ensure that a whole-of-government approach is taken to migration matters.

“Jobs and Skills Australia will have a lead role, and ITECA is pleased to see an acknowledgement that the state and territory governments have a role to play.  At the end of the day, all job needs are local, as to are the housing shortages that impact international students.  The state and territory governments are critical to this conversation,” Mr Williams said.

ITECA will work with the Australian Government as issues associated with implementing the recommendations are considered, he said.

 

About ITECA

Formed in 1992, ITECA is the peak body representing Australia's independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.

 

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