Lobbies say migration must be part of the mix
The Australian Technology Network wants more grads to stay
In its response to the federal government’s international education strategy paper the tech unis peak body says post study migration must be in the mix;
“The possibility of staying in (or returning to) Australia for skilled work is an important factor for international students choosing to study here. Australia must consider its competitiveness and openness, especially if other countries are perceived to be more welcoming. “
“Historically, Australia has had very low rates of graduates progressing from graduate visas to skilled migration which is a lost opportunity for Australia to reap the rewards of its success in teaching these students. Overhauling the administrative process for skilled sponsorship is welcome, by both students and Australian businesses.”
And it calls for government to back new delivery models, such as on-line, blended learning and transnational, by advocating, “for the recognition of qualifications delivered partially or wholly online.”
So does bized
The Australian Business Deans Council suggests visas and post study work-rights are essential for Australia to diversify courses and markets
“We welcome the proposed vision to enable a mix of educational experiences – on campus, overseas and online…. Leveraging these opportunities will require changes to the Education Services for Oversea Students Act, visas and post-study work rights so that they recognise online, offshore, and on-campus study.
And the Regional Universities Network wants incentives to study and stay in the bush
RUN calls for priority visa processing for international students seeking to study at regional campuses, and permanent residency application incentives for graduates from regional universities.
RUN also urges, “more flexibility around post-study work rights for on-line students.” However, the network is sceptical of going big in on-line, even though “many RUN members are the most experienced in the sector.”
“While on-line and offshore education has a place and is complementary to face-to-face learning, it can never wholly replace the latter. The lived experience transforms lives – online study cannot completely substitute for this.”