(Australia): The Morrison Government is cutting red tape to create new market opportunities for Australian education providers”, according to a Press Release by Australia’s Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
The plan to amend the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) will allow international students in Australia to study short courses outside their primary course of study.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the reform would allow more Australian businesses to enter the growing and popular field of microcredential delivery.
Micro-credentials are mini-qualifications that demonstrate skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a given subject area or capability.
International students can choose to study a microcredential that either complements their primary field of study, or reflects their personal interests which can boost their employment prospects such as first aid, responsible service of alcohol, or barista courses.
Meanwhile, the decision will also create new oppotunities for Australian education providers to expand their business delivery to international students.
“Microcredentials are an opportunity for education providers to enter a global market in an emerging form of education, opening new markets and potential business opportunities”, Minister Tehan said.
“Our Government wants short courses to be a permanent fixture of the Australian education system. “The Government will consult with the education sector on amendments to the ESOS Act.”
The Press Release also mentions that “International students will not be able to apply for student visas based solely on these courses”.
