The government has revealed a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of the international education system. These measures come with the dual aim of supporting legitimate international students and eliminating unethical practices in the sector. Similar reforms have also been initiated in the VET sector to bolster its integrity.
Key Changes Introduced:
- Discontinuation of Concurrent COE’s
The government has recently updated the PRISMS system to eliminate the concurrent COE option. Statistics indicate that there was a significant surge in the use of the concurrent feature in 2023. In the first half of this year, 17,000 concurrent enrollments were recorded, a stark contrast to the 10,500 for the combined period of 2019 and 2022.
Minister Clare commented on the update, noting, "The intent behind this change is to hinder predatory 'second' providers from enrolling students prematurely. The aim is to bolster the integrity of one of our primary exports and take a strong stance against unscrupulous operators."
- Requirement for Increased Demonstrated Savings
From October 1, 2023, international students will need to evidence a minimum of $24,505 in savings, marking a 17% increase from the previous requirement. The government emphasises that this change is to ensure that students are financially stable and thereby reduce their vulnerability to exploitation arising from urgent employment needs.
- Enhanced Scrutiny
Increased vigilance will be applied to high-risk groups with a demand for supplementary documentation to mitigate application fraud. Additionally, the government is deliberating on utilising its authority under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) to provide suspension certificates to high-risk education institutions. This means that these institutions would be barred from recruiting international students. The potential use of this authority underscores the government's commitment to eradicating dishonest educational providers. Consultations are underway to define clear grounds for the use of suspension certificates.
VET Sector Reforms:
Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, underscored the importance of these changes, stating, "These reforms mirror our commitment to fortify the VET sector's integrity."
Key changes in the VET sector include:
Strengthened rules for those involved in managing and operating Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This involves higher 'fit and proper persons' standards to keep away dishonest operators.
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is now empowered with a broader scope to remove subpar practices from the VET sector.
More stringent checks on senior managers at RTOs and their adherence to the 'Fit and Proper Person' requirements.
Enhanced regulatory powers that allow ASQA to consider a person’s management history, past registration violations, and evidence of deceptive behavior by providers.
Recognising the Value of International Education:
Ministerial statements have consistently emphasised the significance of international education. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil remarked, "International education is paramount as our fourth-largest export. It is vital that our global reputation for superior education is upheld." Minister Clare further acknowledged the importance of international students, suggesting that their numbers are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
It's evident that while the government is taking proactive steps to weed out unethical practices and providers, they remain committed to ensuring that Australia continues to be a sought-after destination for international education.
