MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL
Back in Australia, ministerial control is another widespread area of concern.
A new proposed national body, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), is supposed to coordinate state and federal bodies, including providing more coordinated advice on resource allocation and planning.
The proposed structure includes unprecedented levels of ministerial intervention, but it may well be that ATEC is empowered to develop specific limits on the proportion of international students at individual universities, and on international enrolments within popular areas such as business.
The government has also proposed expanding placements in areas such as teaching and nursing courses to induce international students into these areas, but this seems to have dubious chances of success. Students who miss out on their chosen university – mostly in Australia’s largest cities – would be less likely to select a regional institution in Australia than they would be to choose another country altogether.
A further concern that has received too little attention is the impact on Australia’s knowledge diplomacy, soft power and regional relations. The large majority of Australia’s international students stem from the region, mostly from East and Southeast Asia, and, until the recent imposition of higher visa refusal rates, growing numbers from India and Nepal.
Reminiscent of 2009, when attacks on Indian students were widely reported in the Indian press, concerns have already been raised in Indian media, who pose the prospect of Indian students choosing to study elsewhere.
The proposed caps are at odds with the federal government’s expressed priority to enhance relations with South and Southeast Asia, including the important arenas of education, skills and people-to-people links.
While there may be valid policy concerns with the consequences of Australia’s surging intake of international students, Canberra should reconsider jeopardising long-term national interests to further short-term political concerns.
Otherwise, the proposal risks economic pain and Australia’s regional reputation as a welcoming destination for international students.
Anthony Welch is professor of education at the University of Sydney. This commentary first appeared on East Asia Forum.
Source: CNA
