Fierce competition threatens Australia’s future in international higher education sector, inquiry finds

‘Tough decisions’ need to be made if Australia’s university sector is to remain competitive in attracting international students

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Australia’s future as a leading higher education provider is under threat by fierce international competition as a Senate inquiry recommends “turning the blowtorch” on dodgy education providers.

A 200-page interim report, released on Thursday, has urged the tertiary sector to focus on quality and integrity to ensure sustainable international student growth within Australia.

Labor MP and committee member, Julian Hill, said the sector needed reform in key areas, such as better regulation of private vocational education training providers, in order to avoid falling behind.

“We need to prune the tree to save the tree and let it grow,” he said.

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