International News: Australia reviews the ESOS Act to protect the International Education Sector

December 28, 2009

Australia’s 15.5 bn AUD industry has been badly affected with the recent attacks on international, especially Indian students. Since 2001, Australia has had a large influx of students from India due to its relaxed immigration laws. This gave rise to dubious institutions that cropped up with the intention of providing students permanent residency visas.  Many colleges in Sydney and Melbourne collapsed leaving students disillusioned. As a result the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard appointed the former Liberal MP Bruce Baird to review the Education Services for Overseas Student (ESOS) Act, 2000. The interim report by Bruce Baird, calls for better regulation of the existing schools as well as new entering institutions and better consumer protection for international students.  The suggestions of the review report will bring the private education institutions and education agents under the government’s radar to ensure that Australia continues to offer world class quality education to international students.

A number of vocational institutes/ colleges have been closed by the Australian Government under the ESOS Act 2000, following strict measures to regulate Australian education in the overseas segment; these include:

• Sydney Flight Training Centre
• Australian International College of Commerce
• Maewill English College, New South Wales
• Meridian College Pty Ltd and associated schools

While announcing the closure of the above institutions, the Australian Government took steps to protect the interests, both financial and course related, of the affected students.

Source: http://aei.gov.au