It plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and prosperity. International education underpins a higher standard of living and helps deliver essential services for all Australians, while also supporting universities to operate across the nation. Every effort should be made to continue growing this vitally important sector that makes our nation stronger and more successful. In line with this goal, Universities Australia recommends that the Government, in finalising the International Education and Skills Strategic Framework and through the supporting legislation before Parliament:

• defer implementing the framework to 2026 and task a properly resourced and experienced Australian Tertiary Education Commission to manage growth for both domestic and international students in line with the recommendation in the Australian Universities Accord final report
• categorise universities and TAFE institutions separately, noting existing regulations, to achieve sustainable, managed growth in international student enrolments
• set caps at the provider level only, removing the ministerial power to set caps at the course level
• when considering universities’ base level, in addition to student numbers, consider their overall institutional position, including financial position, employment profile, infrastructure costs and other obligations associated with running a complex organisation
• provide adequate funding arrangements that will ensure certainty and stability in the transition to the new policy environment over time
• include a sunset clause in the legislation for the removal of ministerial powers, acknowledging the future role of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission as an independent steward for the tertiary system, and
• reconsider the visa prioritisation process in Ministerial Direction No. 107 to create a more even playing field for universities.

Universities Australia supports the Government’s intention to protect and strengthen the integrity of the international education sector and welcomes steps in this direction. However, aspects of the draft framework and legislation seem to be rushed responses to issues the Government wants to address ahead of the next Federal Election. This is not a sound basis for good policy and risks eroding the foundations of a critically important sector that benefits the nation and our universities.