Protection levies for overseas students announced by Federal Government The Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP, has delivered the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), which included an announcement about the Education Services for Overseas Students — Tuition Protection Service Levy. The Levy will raise $18 million over three years to support overseas students studying in Australia who are impacted by college closures. Click here to view the MYEFO papers. See a summary of measures by The Australian here.
TDA launches ‘Big issues’ Occasional Paper TDA has produced an Occasional Paper which brings together, in one booklet, the key themes, papers and presentations of speakers at the TDA 2011 National Conference. The Occasional Paper is the 9th since TDA launched this initiative to widen knowledge on policy, and the third published this year. The latest Paper includes comprehensive coverage and detailed papers from speakers at the ‘Big Issues’–themed 2011 Conference. The 2011 Occasional Paper is timely, given speakers focused on the role of VET in tertiary education, green skills, contestability, regional and rural challenges, and satisfying the high demand for skills in the resources industry, and skilled migration. Click here to view the TDA National Conference Occasional Paper.
China CEAIE leadership program a great success Vice principals and presidents from 19 tertiary vocational colleges in China completed a four week leadership program with TDA last week. As well as participating in workshops and presentations from government, industry and TAFE providers in NSW, the participants spent two weeks in one of three TAFE Institutes; Central Institute of Technology in Perth, Box Hill Institute in Melbourne and Hunter Institute in NSW. This now completes five programs since February 2010, with more than 120 participants and the direct involvement of 19 TAFE Institutes. One of the most pleasing aspects of this program is that many of the participating Chinese and Australian institutes have since formed partnerships for joint delivery and further exchange programs.
Wave of international student policies – recent and future changes Changes in international education policy are now occurring on almost a weekly basis. Last week Ministers Bowen and Evans announced the extension of two-year post graduate work rights to all providers of higher education and not just universities. This is a great win for TAFE Institutes offering degree level qualifications for overseas students. Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has provided the education visa consultative committee with a very detailed schedule of policy and regulatory changes over the next 12 to 18 months based on the Knight Review recommendations.
Diary Dates SERVICE SKILLS AUSTRALIA 2012 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Quality in the Making
DATE: 27-28 February, 2012
LOCATION: Sofitel Hotel, Brisbane
DETAILS: Click here for more information 15th AVETRA CONFERENCE
DATE: 12-13 April 2012
LOCATION: Canberra
DETAILS: Click here to submit an extract.
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