Recently, we’ve seen international education subject to the Accord, placed under review, submitted to an inquiry, unpacked alongside tourism and a deep dive into its association with visa and migration policy.
Pulled apart at the seams, it’s time to pause,
… and celebrate.
With achievements of Australian exporters of innovation on display at the 61st Australian Export Awards, education and training sits firmly in the spotlight, and deservedly so.
No less than six Ministerial portfolios intersect in this crowded space, feeding into and fuelling the aspirations of the sector. So, not surprisingly, the diversity and national value of international education are front and centre of many passionate public and private conversations. It’s a sector on show and in hot demand.
Across 2023, Austrade supported exporter growth and diversification, the attraction of foreign investment and the simplification of trade. Leading a recovery in the visitor economy sector through the THRIVE 2030 Strategy, there has been a focus on welcoming back international students and ensuring Australia ranks in the world’s top 10 Nation brands.
This National Awards program is in partnership with States and Territories. It has valuable backing from Australia’s leading corporations, export facilitators and industry groups, along with other Australian Government departments.
The International Education and Training category showcases the outstanding international success and learner and student experiences in education and training. A national winner will be announced at Parliament House on the 30th of November, 2023.
Who are the finalists?
Adelaide Consulting Group deliver training and certification programs in IT service management, cyber security and project management; providing clients access to expertise in global best practice through multidisciplinary teams. They cover examination platforms, assessment and training programs and certification courses. Addressing the complexity of pursing best practice in a competitive marketplace they serve clients in key Australian export markets across the Asia-Pacific, the UAE, the UK and US.
Alana Kaye College deliver VET courses to a global student cohort. Based in Darwin, they have an additional campus on the Gold Coast. Offering 26 qualifications, they cover management, business, training and assessment, early childhood education and care, individual and ageing support and community services. Bringing cohorts to Australia since 2018, students’ study and live primarily in the Northern Territory. Clearly committed to diversity, students come from over 40 nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Fiji, Germany, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands and the Philippines.
Edith Cowan University (ECU), with eight schools, deliver courses across a diverse range of disciplines. They are an established leader in the delivery of quality teaching, student support services and the student experience. With more than 30,000 students, from over 100 countries, international students make up over 20% of the student community, with Bhutan, China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka among the largest export markets.
Melbourne Polytechnic is one of Victoria’s most active international TAFEs delivering Commonwealth-accredited courses. With 4,500 enrolments at partner institutions in China, they have extended the regional footprint, establishing a partnership in Vietnam to deliver three advanced diploma programs. This has resulted in 500 enrolments, a planned expansion in courses and a further four delivery sites. Forging links with two new transnational partners in Sri Lanka, they have broad export markets including Indonesia and Korea.
TAFE Queensland is the largest training provider in Qld, servicing 125,000 students, including more than 7,000 international students, in over 60 locations. Delivering over 400 industry-relevant courses they have a dedicated team developing business globally with government and enterprise across more than 90 countries. TAFE Queensland manages the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, enabling Pacific Island citizens to gain Australian-standard, vocational skills and qualifications. Key export markets are Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand.
UOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE) a subsidiary of the University of Wollongong (UOW), owns and operates the UOW Dubai, UOW College Australia, UOW College Hong Kong and UOW Malaysia.
Collectively these institutions offer around 200 programs to more than 14,000 students across higher education, VET, English language and professional development. With 1,200 staff globally, UOWGE is a diverse, purpose driven organisation, creating access to education pathways for key export markets including Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
Given the current climate, let’s particularly celebrate the representation and excellence of these institutions delivering into our world class VET and ELICOS sectors. The creativity they bring to Australia’s offshore presence and the quality of offerings underpin Australia’s national brand.
So, while there will undoubtedly be a happy winner on the evening, there is a depth and breadth to the Team Australia offerings that can be showcased in the national interest.
The Koala wishes the finalists well.
Always insightful to check out previous winners – here.
Finalists in other categories for 2023 are here.
