25 November 2024
The twenty universities of the Regional Universities Network (RUN), Innovative Research Universities (IRU) and Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) have united in a call for all sides of politics to work together in implementing a principles-based solution to Australia international student visa processing problem.
In launching the joint statement, RUN, IRU and ATN affirm our commitment to working collaboratively with government – and all sides of politics – to find a clear path forward for Australia’s international education sector.
RUN Chief Executive Officer Alec Webb said that RUN, IRU and the ATN strongly encourage Parliament to consider the remaining components of the ESOS Amendment Bill which focus on enhancing quality and integrity in the system.
“The success of Australia’s international higher education sector has been built on high quality low risk providers, and any measures that further support quality and integrity are warmly welcomed,” said Mr Webb.
The shortcomings of the current visa processing regime are well known and acknowledged widely, however students are applying to study at universities today, and they need transparency and equality in the processing of their student visa.
“The Government find themselves at the precipice of opportunity – the opportunity to correct Australia’s visa processing regime to enable all students and all institutions to partake in international education on equal footing.
“All communities deserve to benefit from the cultural, social, and economic impacts that international students bring to Australia.
“To secure those benefits, we need a principles-based visa processing regime that will work for all students, and all institutions.
“Universities and Government need to work together on long-term solutions which maximise the benefits of international education for all,” said Mr Webb.
The joint statement can be read in full here.
Contacts:
Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, RUN, 0408 482 736
Website: www.run.edu.au
Twitter: @RegUniNet #RegUnisHelpRegions
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-universities-network