The government has launched “a pre-emptive strike” to ensure “tuition assurance” for VET students next year announcing the Department of Education and Training is set to manage services for students and training providers using VET student loans, FEE HELP and students with loans grandfathered from the former VET FEE HELP system. The two current scheme managers, the Australian Council for Private Education and Training and TAFE Directors Australia will continue responsible for any students caught if providers close courses for the rest of the year.

“We’re making a pre-emptive strike to ensure all students in 2018 remain protected and can get high quality training with confidence,” Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham said yesterday.

Yesterday ACPET’s Rod Camm said, “We support the change but want to ensure there are no holes or gaps in the scheme that will create challenges later. “

Student funding expert Mark Warburton’s analysis is this morning’s feature