Private HE and training lobby ITECA wants a new agency to simplify international education oversight

Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia calls for the creation of the Australian International Education Commission to manage administration and “selected regulatory functions.”

“The inability of the Australian Government to develop and manage a streamlined and consistent mechanism for the collection, analysis and reporting of data in respect of the international education sector is a significant issue,” ITECA asserts.

An independent, statutory commission could advise government on expanding the sector, securing it against shocks and “monitor and protect the welfare of international students.”

ITECA proposes the commission be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and international education providers.

“The need for a coordinated approach is overwhelming. Although Australia has set the example globally in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, this has resulted in a serious decline in students arriving in Australia. The market for international students is more intense and competing nations have developed study options and visa policy settings that, from the perspective of students, make Australia a less attractive place to study relative to competitor nations, “ ITECA states.

It makes the case in a submission to the Commonwealth’s consultation paper for an international education strategy to 2030.