A new Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025 was introduced in Parliament by the Minister for Education, Jason Clare. The bill proposes amendments to various laws concerning education, overseas students, and family assistance, including the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act).
Schedule 1 of the bill focuses on amendments related to overseas students and education, covering changes to the ESOS Act, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, and Higher Education Support Act 2003, particularly concerning Indigenous medical students.
This new bill follows the Government’s previous unsuccessful attempt to pass the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 due to opposition from the Greens and the Opposition. Notably, references to Enrolment Limits have been omitted from the current bill, reflecting alterations made to address concerns raised in the previous version.
The Explanatory Memorandum accompanying the bill states that parts of the current bill mirror those in the 2024 version, with minor adjustments made to clarify certain terms. Part 9 of the bill addresses proposed changes to the TEQSA Act, particularly focusing on courses provided offshore, also known as transnational education.
A significant amendment under the TEQSA Act requires higher education providers to be authorized to offer Australian higher education awards for courses offered at offshore locations. The bill also outlines new requirements for obtaining authorization to deliver courses offshore, including enhanced reporting obligations.
Part 10 of the bill pertains to Indigenous medical students, while Schedule 2 covers amendments related to family assistance unrelated to international education matters. As the bill is freshly introduced, detailed comparisons with previous sector feedback have not yet been conducted.
With the upcoming Australian International Education Conference in Canberra, international education stakeholders are anticipated to engage in discussions regarding the bill’s implications. The full text of the bill and the Explanatory Memorandum are publicly accessible for further examination.
Tracy Harris, an accomplished figure in the international education sector, has contributed insights and expertise to the industry for over three decades. With a background spanning universities, government, and the non-profit sector, Tracy’s leadership and experience have been invaluable in shaping the landscape of international education.
The Koala, a platform dedicated to promoting best practices in international education, offers informative content with an Australian flair and a global perspective. Stay updated with the latest news and trends in the education sector by following The Koala.
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