Tim Beriau’s Post

Australia has long been a world-leading international education provider, hosting almost 800,000 international students or roughly 8.5 per cent of the global market. International students are significant contributors to Australia’s economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses across Australia.   This week’s Senate inquiry into the Albanese Government’s proposed Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2024 has led to widespread discussion on the economic and social risks of capping international student numbers in Australia.   As a committed investor and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, we at Australian Unity stand alongside tertiary education institutions, including the #GroupofEight and student services providers, in expressing concern toward the proposed legislation and its potential impact on our major cities and regional hubs. An unintended consequence of such a policy, may stymy the development of new purpose-built student accommodation - further exacerbating housing access and affordability pressures.   Our Social Infrastructure business remains committed to delivering high quality PBSA across Australia in partnership with leading operators, developers and investors. As an asset class, student accommodation has an important role to play in adding to housing stock and providing a home for tertiary students in a comfortable and purpose-built setting close to their university campus.

Capping the international student enrollments at universities and colleges raises a critical point: equality in enrollment caps doesn’t always equate to fairness or practicality. Implementing such caps without flexibility may undermine the quality of education and the broader economic contributions of international students. Additionally, this cap impacts the students’ right to choose where and what to study, as every provider offers unique programs and opportunities. If students are denied admission in their first year and then face additional barriers due to the Genuine Student test, such as study gaps, it begs the question: where is their fault? This restrictive approach penalizes students unfairly, limiting their educational and career prospects without addressing the root issues. #cappingstudents #internationalstudents

University International Student numbers to be capped at 40% As per Australian Financial Review, key points “Universities and colleges will be limited to enrolling a maximum of 40 per cent of their students from overseas, with caps to be in place for two years and numbers based on 2019 figures. Federal cabinet is to consider the principles around proposed caps on foreign student enrolments, with specific limits for individual universities and colleges to be released in coming days.  High-level sources said the government would set January 1, 2025, as the start date for the caps, resisting pressure from universities and colleges to delay their introduction for a year.” Around 10 universities have enrolments of 40 per cent or higher, most notably Sydney, Melbourne, Monash, Queensland and the University of NSW. Wollongong, RMIT and the small private Torrens University are also over the cap. Interesting developments in the pipeline which probably is going to stir up quite a bit of conversations / opinions in the industry. Source: https://lnkd.in/eRYcKanZ

The University Grants Commission recently notified the framework enabling foreign universities and higher education institutes to set up campuses in India. Here's our update summarizing the newly introduced University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. AP & Partners

Interesting reading the Australian Universities Accord Final Report which dropped over the weekend, and terrific to see the ambitious growth targets for increasing the percentage of people with a tertiary qualification: “more than double the number of Commonwealth supported students in universities from 860,000 currently to 1.8 million by 2050”. This will have major consequences for infrastructure planning and implementation. Will universities need more infrastructure to cope with the growth? Or is this an opportunity for universities to consolidate and optimise their assets? Plenty to consider… Exciting times ahead!! #university #campusplanning #educology Educology_AU

Interesting that the Accord recommends 'establishing a First Nations Council to advise ministers and the Commission, stronger obligations on universities to demonstrate self-determination within their operations and a First Nations-led review of tertiary education to improve First Nations participation and workforce and to strengthen First Nations knowledge and research in higher education.' There is no doubt that some universities lag behind on some key First Nations indicators such as employment and student completions, but I wonder what the establishment of this council means when we already have NATSIHEC and the UA DVC I / PVC I committee. Perhaps the council will be tasked with looking more closely at University outcomes? Universities Australia National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium

Are "back door" routes for sub-standard international students taking spots from UK students? Or do International Foundation/International Year One options level the playing field? At TTT, only 2 of our many international students have been offered the International Foundation by UK universities, but both students and their parents rejected it in favour of the standard UCAS route and working for the grades. What do you think about the International Foundation/International Year One? Share your thoughts in the comments. #university #internationaleducation #internationalstudents

The struggle of local families to afford high tuition fees has emphasised the need for enhanced support mechanisms. The imbalance in educational opportunities within the country is a concerning issue that demands attention. It caused heavy reliance of UK universities on international student fees and has sparked discussions about potential compromises in educational standards. Collaboration with questionable 'suppliers' risks tarnishing the reputation of UK higher education. It is crucial to address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. In short, reducing the university tuition fee to encourage local students will solve the problem of missing international students found in the attached YouTube video. An intuitive strategy is ready for further discussion with Learning-To-Learn CIC #HigherEducation #UKUniversities #InternationalStudents #EducationPolicy #UKGovernment

We are on the cusp of significant changes following the publication of the Australian Universities Accord Final Report. Among the many important recommendations, we would like to highlight two that call for proactive engagement of student voice on matters of student safety, experiences and sense of belonging. We look forward to engaging in meaningful work by students and practitioners in this sector! Recommendation: Ensuring student safety and experience 18. That to improve the overall student experience and reflect domestic and international student expectations of their higher education outcomes, the Australian Government work with national student bodies and the higher education sector to: a. develop a national student charter that sets out a shared, national commitment to the welfare, safety and wellbeing of all students on campus and online b. establish a National Student Ombudsman to respond to student complaints. Recommendation: Ensuring student safety and experience 19. That to ensure the sustainability of student-led organisations, such as associations, unions and guilds, the Australian Government ensure that a proportion of the Student Services and Amenities Fee received by each higher education provider be directed to these organisations to deliver agreed services and amenities. Many of you will be impacted by the changes following the recommendations in the report, what are you excited about the most? #Studentvoice #highereducation #australianuniversities #studentexperience #studentengagement #studentaffairs https://lnkd.in/gqPFgPXi

Good to see prompt response. The Universities UK Board said it was taking three "immediate actions": A "rapid review" of foundation programmes for international and domestic students, looking at their "quality and comparability" A review of the Agent Quality Framework, which outlines "checks and balances" when universities use agents to help recruit international students A review of the Admissions Code of Practice, which sets out expectations for university processes #standards #applications #foundation #admissions #univeristy https://lnkd.in/ehc_Qe7b