I have been a part of the international education industry since 2002, and I have witnessed significant changes in the landscape of international education, particularly in the role of education agents. Historically, education agents were valued as in-country advisors that provided information and application support to future students on a local basis. There has been [...]
"Orientation is a pivotal moment in a student’s journey—it can set them up for success or leave them struggling." The Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) and National Code (NC) emphasise that orientation programs must support international students in adjusting to life and study in Australia. Yet, too often, orientation is treated as a one-time event [...]
Applying for a visa to Australia is a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. Every applicant must ensure that their submission meets the Department of Home Affairs' requirements, particularly in three key areas: providing correct and complete information, maintaining consistency with previous applications, and supplying evidence for all statements made. Failing to adhere [...]
International students continue to view Australia positively as a study destination, but rising living costs and changes in visa regulations are shaping perceptions, according to the latest annual survey by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Shifting Student Sentiment The survey highlights areas where student sentiment has evolved. Australia is being perceived as a [...]
The year 2024 has been a year of significant regulatory shifts in the education agent space across multiple countries. While the intent behind these reforms is clear—to improve transparency, accountability, and student protection—the key challenge will be in implementation and enforcement. Australia The Australian government introduced changes to the National Code of Practice for Providers [...]
Reports reveal that opposition leader Peter Dutton owns $30 million in property, and good for him. However, both major political parties are using international education as a weapon in the upcoming elections. Yet, the question remains—is Australia's housing crisis real, or is it an engineered scarcity designed to preserve inflated property values? The government continues [...]
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to cut the cash rate by 0.25% may have brought relief to mortgage holders, but for the international education sector, the latest Monetary Policy Statement offered little in the way of optimism. The challenges facing the industry were underscored by IDP Education Ltd.'s financial results for the first [...]
Working as an International College Administrator is a dynamic and multifaceted role that requires a unique combination of technical expertise, compliance knowledge, and soft skills. From student enrolment to regulatory compliance, administrators play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations in international educational institutions. Whether you're entering this field or looking to enhance your expertise, [...]
As we approach 2025, many immigration firms are facing a pivotal moment. The past five years have provided a period of relative ease—marked by the pandemic and its accompanying relaxed immigration policies—but now, a new era of challenges is emerging. For many practitioners, 2025 is set to be a "make or break" year. In this [...]
The recent closure of GrowPro has reignited discussions about the responsibilities and protections afforded to education agents. In a previous article, I explored strategies for better managing agents to prevent issues like those seen with GrowPro. However, one contributor raised a crucial counterpoint—while we often discuss protecting students when an education provider collapses, what about [...]
