The government has identified significant risks in the recruitment practices of overseas students. This situation underscores the necessity for education providers to review their recruitment and admissions processes, complemented by effective oversight and self-assurance measures. In this article we would like to draw your attention to a critical issues that may be affecting your recruitment and admissions processes.

Under the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code), the ESOS Act, and the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework), registered providers are bound by specific obligations. 

Key Risk Indicators

Several factors signal that current recruitment and admission practices may not be adequately robust. Each of these indicators suggests that the practices employed in recruiting and admitting overseas students across the sector require urgent attention.

  • Transfer between providers: A number of overseas students transferring to other higher education providers or Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) may suggest they were recruited without receiving sufficient information about their chosen provider, course, or life and study in Australia.
  • Lack of Qualifications: There are indications that students may not possess the necessary qualifications or academic preparedness for their intended courses.
  • Non-Compliant Students: Concerns have arisen regarding the recruitment of students who may not be bona-fide or who are unlikely to comply with visa requirements.
  • Non-Commencement and Incompletion Rates: An increase in non-commencements and incompletion rates, alongside instances of visas not being granted, raises further alarm.
  • Unethical Recruitment Practices: Reports of unethical behaviour by some education agents, both onshore and offshore, exacerbate these issues.
  • Inadequate Support Systems: There are shortcomings in policies and processes for identifying and assisting overseas students at risk of failing to meet course progress requirements.
  • Data Management Issues: Improper management of enrolment data, including inaccuracies and delays in reporting where required.
  • Rapid Growth and Market Expansion: Substantial and rapid growth, particularly in new markets, presents additional challenges that may not be effectively managed.

 

Identifying, Analysing, and Responding to Risks

To ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with the recruitment, admission, and support of overseas students, providers must demonstrate robust governance oversight. This includes the effective identification, analysis, and mitigation of risks.

Monitoring Performance

The government expects providers to rigorously monitor and measure the performance of overseas student cohorts, which should take into account the risk profiles of education agents and the backgrounds of student cohorts. Key considerations should include:

  • Country of Origin: Understanding the demographics of student populations can highlight varying risk factors.
  • Course Selection: Monitoring the popularity and suitability of courses chosen by international students.
  • Entry Qualifications: Assessing the qualifications accepted for entry into courses, including English language proficiency and credit for prior learning.

Providers should enhance their risk management strategies by integrating monitoring with existing processes for interim monitoring, comprehensive reviews, external referencing, and student feedback.

Evaluating Student Outcomes

Performance measures should evaluate student outcomes within the first six months and beyond. Providers need to identify students who may not be adequately prepared for their courses, considering metrics such as:

  • Rates of non-commencement
  • Incompletion statistics
  • Instances of unsatisfactory course progress
  • Challenges with English language proficiency after enrolment

When potential indicators of risk are identified, it is vital to ascertain their causes. Providers must assess whether overseas students are:

  • Sufficiently informed about their chosen provider, course of study, and the realities of life and living costs in Australia.
  • Appropriately qualified for their enrolled courses, including necessary language proficiency and prior learning.
  • Provided with adequate support to facilitate their transition to living and studying in Australia.
  • Bona-fide students with genuine intentions to study and comply with visa requirements.
  • Recruited ethically and responsibly, prioritising the best interests of the student, whether recruited directly or through an education agent.

Effective Risk Management Strategies

To effectively manage these risks, providers should consider implementing the following measures:

  1. Proactive Monitoring: Actively identify concerning behaviour by education agents and take prompt corrective action as necessary.
  2. Improved Information Quality: Enhance the quality and accessibility of information provided to overseas students through both education agents and direct communication from the provider.
  3. Tailored Onshore Support: Utilise active monitoring and student feedback to better tailor support services to meet the specific needs of overseas students.
  4. Academic Monitoring: Adjust course entry requirements based on academic monitoring to ensure that recruited students are adequately prepared for their studies.

In conclusion, the recruitment, admission, and support of international students is an area that requires immediate attention and action. By adhering to the regulatory framework and implementing robust processes, education providers can significantly reduce risks and improve outcomes for overseas students. 

We encourage you to evaluate your current practices, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive steps to ensure compliance and enhance the experience of international students in Australia.

If you are interested in a robust student and agent management system, contact us for more information https://www.educli.com/en/contact-us 

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