The International Education Advisory Council, chaired by Michael Chaney AO, provided its advice to Government on Wednesday 27 February 2013. Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, welcomed the report - Australia – Educating Globally, and said it would serve as a blueprint for the future. Government will use the Chaney report to inform its five year national strategy for the international education sector.
The report tracks the challenges of a strong Australian dollar, the ongoing impact of the global financial crisis in some countries, and increased competition for international students, from both traditional and emerging competitor countries. It also acknowledges the many opportunities for growth, including opportunities to meet growing demand for education from Asia.
The council estimates that by 2020 there will be a 30 per cent increase in the number of international students studying in Australia on today’s numbers.
The report sets out 35 recommendations to address seven key issues identified as crucial to a sustainable future for international education:
1. coordination
2. quality
3. a positive student experience
4. partnerships
5. ensuring the integrity of the student visa program
6. data analysis and research in international education, and
7. competition, promotion and marketing.
There is a strong focus on sustainability and the student experience and the report points out that education providers, their leadership, curricula, staff and student support networks will need to plan for “a new generation of students of whom a global career and mobility opportunities are major driving factors in their choice of study destination”.
The report suggests more needs to be done in the area of coordination. Minister Bowen has agreed to the council’s recommendation to create a Ministerial Coordinating Council on International Education to take forward a sustainable and vibrant sector – in the face of bold, increased global competition. The creation of such a council provides a clear recognition that, while all stakeholders have their own roles and interests in international education, all share responsibility for a sustainable international education sector.
The report was informed by consultation with international education providers, peak industry and student bodies, and Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.