“In a changing world, we need more university-educated students, not fewer, to drive us forward, safely and successfully,” Universities Australia acting Chief Executive Peter Chesworth said.

“Students from over 144 countries choose to study at Australia’s world-class universities, and this agreement ensures they can take their education, skills and knowledge anywhere, contributing to the development of new relationships and building understanding between nations.

“It also creates new opportunities for Australia’s universities to expand their operations overseas and contribute even more to the global challenge of educating more people around the world.

“We welcome the Albanese Government’s focus on boosting recognition of, and providing greater opportunities for, Australia’s universities and our students, and look forward to building further on this.

“Right now, countries around the world are facing critical skill shortages and grappling with economic, health and security issues that are changing the way they operate.

“Universities produce the highly skilled graduates and innovation the world needs now more than ever to respond to these challenges and opportunities and drive social and economic progress.”