Strategy for International Education in Australia 2021-2030

Australia has released an updated strategy for international education in Australia. This strategy has been released to replace the 2016 National Strategy for International Education. It addresses many of the impacts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on Australia’s international education sector. Improved outcomes will be addressed to rebuild the Australian economy as part of this strategy.

Many initiatives outlined in this Report have not yet been enacted into law or supported by Home Affairs policy changes. However, MIA will keep informing members as soon as new information becomes available.

Table of Contents

Priorities of International Education Strategy 2021-2030

The international education strategy 2021-2030 has 4 priorities for the next 10 years. These priorities include Diversification, Meeting Australia’s Skills Needs, Students at the Centre, and Growth and Global Competitiveness.

So, let’s get into the details of these priorities for a better understanding.

1. Diversification

The diversification strategy focuses on diversifying source countries and maximizing offshore and digital opportunities. Australia competes with the UK, USA, and Canada for the same cohort of students. Though, China and India are the top two source countries for all four countries.

The Australian Government will develop guidelines and initiatives to improve the diversity of international students. More overseas campuses and a greater variety of courses will offer a more affordable option for students in their home countries.

2. Meeting Australia’s Skills Needs

International students have significantly contributed to the Australian skilled migration. Though, nearly half of overseas students study business and commerce in Australia. International students will be offered incentives to enroll in highly in-demand fields. These fields include engineering, mathematics, technology, and health to align study choices with employment opportunities better.

The Australian Government will be working with the education providers. They’ll be working together in order to align with the future skills requirements of Australia. Additionally, the government intends to offer targeted career initiatives for Temporary Graduate Visa holders based on their skills.

Furthermore, micro-credentials and short courses will also be offered to students who cannot commit to longer education courses in priority areas. Though, if you want to be enrolled in the course of study in Australia and need guidance, you can book a consultation with us.

Australia will offer career initiatives to 485 visa holders. Short courses and micro-credentials will be offered to overseas students who can’t undertake long courses.

Australia will provide new opportunities to deliver non-Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) course offshore. Increasing and diversifying research in Australia will be further enhanced in Australia.

It’ll be possible by encouraging students to study and conduct research through Masters by Research and Ph.D. level degrees. The University Foreign Interference Taskforce has developed guidelines to protect university employees and students from foreign interference in their diversity of work and research.

3. Students at the Centre

The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic emphasized the need to strengthen social cohesion among international students. Student-centric policies will be introduced to create stronger connections among international students, Australian students, and Australian communities.

Australia will assist students in gaining valuable off-campus experiences during their stay period. They can gain experience through internships, employer networks, and graduate opportunities. As part of their initiative, the Australian government will work with state/territory governments with industry sectors. It’s purpose is to improve students’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities while they live, study and work in Australia.

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4. Growth and Global Competitiveness

The Australian Government will introduce the legislative and policy frameworks to maintain its reputation for providing quality education.

Following are some of the measures announced:

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) requires a targeted review to ensure the legislation continues to promote innovation within the sector, high-quality education provided online and offshore, and optimal student experiences.

The industry will receive $28 million as a support package. Graduates doing Masters by coursework will have their Temporary Graduate visas extended from 2 to 3 years permanently. It was previously announced though.

Temporary extension from 18 to 24 months for 485 visa for Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates.

VET graduates will be able to apply for a 485 visa in the future without having to be listed on the skilled occupations lists or undergo skills assessments.

Graduate students who lost time due to border restrictions during the pandemic can apply for replacement visas in Australia.

Students and recent graduates would be able to have time spent studying online offshore credited to their eligibility for a 485 visa.

Australia’s education sector and the government will promote its international education on a global level. Further, in collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders, the Australian Government will enhance the recognition of Australian qualifications.

485 visa extension from 2 to 3 years for students doing Masters by coursework. Temporary extension for visa 485 will be offered to VET graduates from 18 to 24 months.

Conclusion

The Australian Government has introduced a strategy for International Education in Australia. This strategy consists of 4 priorities. It’ll last from 2021 to 2030. The 2016 National Strategy for International Education will be replaced by the new strategy.

Under this strategy, Australia will offer more advantages to attract more international students. It’s expected that this strategy will be proved to be a great deal for both onshore and offshore students in Australia. Home Affairs will offer more visas, resulting in maximum arrivals of international students in Australia. However, if you want to apply for a Study Visa in Australia, you can book a consultation with us.

Nasir Nawaz

I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.

Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.