Australian Government takes very seriously its reputation as a high-quality, safe study destination for international students and provides significant support to facilitate the development and growth of international education through an integrated approach to policy, regulation, international engagement and promotion.
While most international students have an overwhelmingly positive experience studying in Australia, a range of issues adversely affecting the well-being of international students and their education experience in Australia have recently come to light.
All Australian governments are working in partnership to address these issues, protect the integrity of Australia's international education sector and close the net on those who deliberately abuse it or evade their obligations.
There are a number of initiatives being pursued by governments including:
- the review of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, which will look ensure Australia’s regulatory framework delivers the best consumer protection and maintains rigorous standards for education providers wishing to enter and deliver courses in the international education sector
- the commitment of COAG to improve the quality of education for international students and their well-being through the development of a comprehensive National International Student Strategy, which will be put in place during the 2010 academic year
- the International Student Roundtable which will take place on 14 and 15 September 2009 - participants will have the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their experience in Australia and to put forward ideas on how to address their concerns and
- the creation of a hotline for students to raise concerns, anonymously if they wish.
An International Students Taskforce has also been created within the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).