The Government’s decision to enact Ministerial Direction 111 will ensure that Australia’s smaller and regional universities will be heading into 2025 under a much fairer visa processing regime that recognises all universities as high-quality providers.
The Regional Universities Network (RUN) Chief Executive Officer Alec Webb said the Government has listened to, and acted upon, the pressing need to ensure the sustainability of Australia’s regional universities.
“We thank the Government for making a decision that considers the interest of smaller and regional universities.
“Ministerial Direction 111 will restore equity, repeatability, and transparency to the vital process of administering international student visas.
“This will be welcomed news to prospective international students who are considering studying at any of regional Australia’s world class universities in 2025”, said Mr Webb.
Recently, RUN partnered with the Australian Technology Network of Universities, and the Innovative Research Universities – a combined representation of 20 universities – to call for a student visa processing system that is characterised by transparency, repeatability, and institutional equality.
“Ministerial Direction 111, which replaces Ministerial Direction 107, recognises the role that institutional visa processing equity plays in a highly-quality, high-integrity international education system.
“All communities deserve to enjoy the cultural, social, and economic benefits that international students bring to Australia, and Ministerial Direction 111 promises a more equitable distribution of these benefits.
“RUN and its members stand ready to work constructively with the Government, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Education to build upon Ministerial Direction 111 and develop a long-term equitable and sustainable strategy for Australia’s international education sector,” Mr Webb said.
For media enquiries:
Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736
Molly Tuy, Communications and Office Administration Assistant, 0493 890 747
Website: www.run.edu.au
Twitter: @RegUniNet #RegUnisHelpRegions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-universities-network