16 April 2015
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The draft National Strategy for International Education released by the government in early April has been welcomed by the tertiary sector. The strategy defines three pillars of international education and six achievable goals to underpin Australia continuing to be a destination of choice for students, teachers and researchers.
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Universities Australia (UA) says the strategy has the potential to lead to the development and growth of international education in Australia. UA particularly welcomed the broad reach of the strategy into all aspects of our global teaching and research engagement. Belinda Robinson, UA chief, says that if the goals outlined in the draft strategy are achieved, “all Australian university graduates will be true global citizens – able to compete for the best jobs all over the world”:
We are particularly pleased to see a commitment to investment in collaborative research and research infrastructure and look forward to seeing this reflected in the coming Federal Budget. The ability to produce high quality collaborative research is critical for cementing our position as one of the best higher education systems in the world.
TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) commended the government for finally responding to the recommendations of the Chaney Report, Educating Globally, which was released over two years ago. TDA’s Acting CEO, Malcolm White says TDA is particularly pleased to see a strong emphasis on vocational education and training and the significant benefits this sector does, and can, provide
International education is currently a $16.3 billion export industry that supports 130,000 jobs nationally.
In releasing the strategy, education minister Christopher Pyne said it has been estimated that over the next decade international education could double in value to the Australian economy, creating tens of thousands of local jobs.
Submissions on the strategy will be open until 29 May 2015 and can be made via a feedback page.
The three pillars of policy:
Getting the fundamentals right: Strong national policies for education, training and research will ensure we keep our reputation as one of the world’s leading providers of education.
Reaching out to the world: International education includes all aspects of our global teaching and research engagement. This includes Australian students studying abroad and engaging through language study. It includes research collaboration and the two-way movement of researchers, academics and professionals.
Staying competitive: Working together to provide international students with a great value package. High quality education experiences that utilise new technologies, offer strong and safe consumer protections and real work experience in professional and skilled employment are essential.