by DIRK MULDER

English Australia sets out how it can bring back international students 

The peak body for English-learning colleges yesterday briefed 200 members and officials from state and territory governments on a safe entry scheme, using the goPassport health-tracker model (CMM Wednesday).

English Australia CEO Brett Blacker continues to make the case for prioritising ELICOS entry, based on three factors.

Scale: ELICOS starts don’t follow a typical semester or trimester study pattern, classes can start all year, so building scale at intervals provides flexibility

Yield: ELICOS students complete their English course and move into other education sectors. This provides the opportunity for replenishing channel-growth and not relying on direct recruitment to VET and HE.

Survival: “A safe opening of borders is of the upmost importance if the sector is going to avoid decimation”, Mr Blacker says.

While there is no formal stepped schedule for ELICOS arrivals, CMM understands the Commonwealth Government has asked for proposals and EA, with the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) have made a submission.

Dirk Mulder is CMM’s international education correspondent