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Summary —
In its submission to the Australian Government’s consultation to support the development of the Australian Universities Accord, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has set out an agenda that seeks to revolutionise the higher education and skills training systems through seamless integration, empowering individuals and driving economic growth.
Key Issues —
In November 2022, the Australian Government announced the Australian Universities Accord to be redeveloped as part of a higher education review process, led by Professor Mary O’Kane AC. The Australian Universities Accord is an opportunity to examine everything from the affordability of higher education to accessibility and quality and how higher education and vocational training can work together.
Although the Australian Government has dubbed the document an "Australian Universities Accord" the advice from ITECA is clear, the document needs to be referenced as an "Australian Higher Education Accord" to better reflect the maturing nature of Australia's post secondary system and the simple fact that around three in four higher education providers aren't universities.
With the active participation of ITECA members, a comprehensive submission has been tendered to the review, a copy of which can be downloaded below:
In the submission, ITECA members have argued that the current higher education and skills training funding models are limiting student choice, and that red tape is a barrier to innovation by independent skills training providers. The recommendations of ITECA members aim to end the delineation between funding and regulatory models of the two sectors and build a system that places students at the centre without sacrificing the separate strengths and identities of the higher education and skills training sectors.
An ITECA policy briefing will outline issues associated with the Universities Accord consultation process and don’t miss the opportunity to better understand the implications for independent higher education providers.
Approximately 10% of the 1.6 million students in higher education study with independent higher education providers, which make up more than 75% of the providers sector. Independent providers consistently demonstrate excellence, and the Australian Government’s higher education review offers an opportunity to build a world-class system that better supports students.
The proposed reforms set out by ITECA members will create a system that harnesses the synergies between the two skills training and higher education sectors. It delivers the full potential of Australia’s tertiary education system and offers greater accessibility and flexibility to students. The review presents an opportunity to rectify the disadvantages faced by students and build a truly student-centric tertiary education system that is a model for the world to emulate.
Government data referenced in the ITECA State Of The Sector Report shows that independent higher education providers support around 10% of the 1.6 million students in higher education awards programs.
Getting Involved —
ITECA is a growing community of skills training and higher education providers with a commitment to excellence. On issues associated with higher education education, our members set our direction, resource our activities and directly benefit from the results. What's great is that through the ITECA Higher Education Policy Committee they are empowered with the influence to drive change. ITECA Membership – It's a great time to get involved.
Further Information —
If you're an ITECA member and would like more information on this matter, the ITECA team would value the opportunity to talk to you. Simply send an email to higher.education@iteca.edu.au or telephone 1300 421 017. Stay up to date via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer & Copyright —
This information may be reproduced in limited circumstances under a Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. Information published on this webpage is intended for general information only and no warranty is providers as to accuracy or completeness thus any reliance you place on this material is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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