Joint Media Release
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MINISTER FOR
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TRAINING
THE HON DR BRENDAN NELSON MP |
MINISTER FOR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON ALEXANDER DOWNER MP |
SUSTAINING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE THROUGH EDUCATION
14 October 2003 MIN 481/03
We are pleased to announce a Ministerial Statement on the policy framework for Australia’s engagement in international education over the next decade and beyond, entitled Engaging the World through Education.
The framework provides the basis for expanding the international education experience for students, developing education cooperation with other countries, and supporting sustainable growth in trade in education services. The Government is committed to quality Australian education and the protection of educational standards.
Trade in education services is our third largest service export – bigger than wool and close to wheat - earning around AUD$5 billion a year.
These kinds of links are vital for furthering Australia’s interests in the region. They help build confidence and understanding between Australia and its neighbours.
Education remains a critical issue for the developing world and for our efforts to reduce poverty and increase stability - fourteen percent of Australia’s total aid budget is spent on education.
Australia is highly regarded as a safe and friendly destination with a reputation for quality and reliability in education services. In 2002 approximately 385,000 overseas students from more than 200 countries were enrolled with Australian education providers (289,420 onshore and 95,666 offshore). Australia is now the third most popular English speaking destination for international students.
The 2003 Budget sets out measures to increase promotion of Australian education, extend the Government’s overseas network, provide new scholarships for students, reinforce the quality assurance arrangements and establish a number of international Centres of Excellence.
Sustainable growth in the Australian international education industry will be underpinned by diversification, quality and migration integrity. The Howard Government is committed to showcasing Australian capabilities to the world.
An extract of the statement is attached. Electronic versions of the Statement are available at: http://aei.dest.gov.au
Hard copies can be obtained by calling the AEI Enquiry Hotline: 1800 659 579 Offshore Callers: +61 2 62407610
Media contact:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Ross Hampton 0419 484 095
Mr Downer’s Office: Chris Kenny 0419 206 691
Summary Extracts of Engaging the World through Education
A Ministerial statement on the internationalisation of Australian education and training
Growing and diversifying our engagement
The Government is increasing the support available to education and training institutions to pursue their diverse goals. AEI, the Australian Government’s International Education Network, coordinates the Government’s international education efforts and has representatives attached to Australian diplomatic missions in many Asian countries. AEI’s reach is being extended to North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
To diversify the international student cohort in Australia we need to make Australia a preferred choice of quality students. This will be facilitated by: improving access to information on the Australian education and training system; providing information to guide student admissions; and continually modifying visa entry processes to meet the needs of students and providers, as well as Australia’s immigration objectives.
In the future, an increasing amount of Australia’s international education activity will take place overseas. Diversification in overseas activity will be facilitated by profiling Australia’s innovation capabilities, building partnerships to expand access to overseas education and innovation systems, protecting Australia’s reputation as a quality provider, and encouraging trade liberalisation.
The Government will continue working cooperatively with governments of other countries to extend the reach of education to those who do not currently have access. We will seek to remove barriers to trade in education services and to develop international cooperation for quality assurance and the recognition of educational qualifications.
The Government is increasing the number of scholarships it makes available to high quality students from other countries. This will add to the significant number of scholarships available through Australian institutions and some philanthropic organisations. Developments in other countries require new skill sets for managing reform and building capacity. The Government has introduced a Sponsored Professional Development visa to ensure Australia can contribute to these efforts.
Internationalisation is a two way process. The Government will offer financial support to encourage Australian students to learn about other countries and have experience abroad. In addition, new awards will extend student and staff exchange arrangements and provide for cultural immersion of Australian foreign language teachers. Business and education links will be strengthened through better cultural understanding and language skills.
Ensuring quality and integrity
Long term engagement is reliant on protecting the reputation of the Australia’s education system, through nationally-enforced quality controls. Australia already has a comprehensive quality assurance framework but this is continually being strengthened.
There is no place in the Australian education system for organisations or students that are not genuine. Compliance and enforcement activities will be strengthened to remove providers that do not meet tuition or financial standards. The Australian Government will continue to work in cooperation with State and Territory governments to this end.
The Government is committed to ensuring access to student visas for only genuine students. Processing of student visas is being streamlined and more resources directed to emerging markets.
High standards will also be required of Australian providers operating overseas through offshore campuses, online delivery and other transnational methods. The Government will encourage industry self-regulation supported by independent, government-funded audits.
Raising Australia’s profile
Refocussing our engagement also requires promoting the very positive qualities offered by Australia and Australian providers within the global market. This includes promoting Australia’s strong innovation capabilities and building linkages to expand access to overseas networks.
Efforts to publicise and promote Australia’s capabilities overseas are being increased, to make Australia a preferred choice for students and research collaboration. It will also raise Australia’s attractiveness as a partner in the delivery of education services and education alliances.
Australian individuals and institutions have developed world-leading scientific, cultural and administrative capabilities. We have specific areas of excellence and individual brilliance, based on our quality education and training. In some areas Australia’s achievers are well known and widely acclaimed. In other areas such accomplishments are not so visible and recognised overseas. A concerted national effort will lift Australia’s profile.
To promote Australia as a sophisticated, technologically advanced society, the Australian Government is seed funding five International Centres of Excellence. The Centres will extend Australia’s international linkages and promote our capabilities in Asia Pacific Studies and Diplomacy, Mathematics Education, Water Resources Management, Sports Science and Administration, and Sustainable Tourism to a global audience.
Working Together
A new whole of government approach will see the development of long term positioning strategies for Australia’s engagement in international education with key countries.
The Australian Government is committed to work in partnership with education and training providers and State and Territory governments to support their efforts to provide quality education services and to enhance Australia’s reputation as an education leader.
Australia will cooperate in international education fora, on policy settings and initiatives that can give Australian providers and students the best possible outcomes. Ongoing advice on the policy framework will be provided to the Government by an Industry Advisory Body.
A shared recognition of the opportunities and challenges for international education and training is needed, if long term sustainable growth is to be achieved.
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