It’s hard to believe it’s nearly the end of the financial year! It’s been a very busy H1 at English Australia and H2 is set to be just as busy with the release of the annual ELICOS survey data, lots of exciting CPD events, membership renewals, the conference, work on a new strategic plan, and the AGM, not to mention non-stop advocacy work and member support.
Sadly though, the tough times continue for the ELICOS sector. The student visa data has now been released for April and the figures are again the worst on record for applications for student visas to study ELICOS Only courses. While Foundation numbers are flat and HE numbers are down far less, VET numbers are also dramatically down. Members will receive our in-depth analysis of all the latest data next week.
Advocating for lower student visa fees for ELICOS students continues to be my number one priority at English Australia. As everyone will be aware, during the election campaign, the government announced it will increase the student visa fee to $2,000 from 1 July. Those members who have attended English Australia branch meetings this month will know that English Australia has been advocating urgently for ELICOS to be exempted from this increase.
With the emphatic election outcome and the Hon Julian Hill being appointed to the role of Assistant Minister for International Education and the Prime Minister acknowledging the importance of international education, English Australia believes government have an opportunity to shift the narrative on the sector.
So, I was very happy to meet with Assistant Minister Hill only days after the dust settled on the election to discuss the existential threat facing quality ELICOS providers. We had a very open and positive meeting discussing the varied nature of the ELICOS sector and the impact of the visa fees and refusal rates on member colleges. I emphasised the disproportionate nature of the visa fee in the context of a typical ELICOS enrolment.
Acknowledging the constraints of the Federal budget process, I put forward a proposal to the Minister urging government to instead reduce the visa fee for ELICOS only offshore applications to $850. We also discussed challenges with visa grant rates, the study limits on tourist visa holders, ELICOS and Foundation program packaging issues, and the government’s legislative reform agenda.
We have some tough months ahead as we continue to work with government on these issues. We are fortunate to have an Assistant Minister of International Education with responsibilities across the Dept of Education and the Dept of Home Affairs and who understands the sector and acknowledges the value of a quality ELICOS sector. Let’s hope that this translates into action to protect the many thousands of jobs in the ELICOS sector and the sector’s vital role in the broader international education ecosystem, not to mention its nexus with the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.
In the meantime, please be sure to reach out to us at English Australia to let us know how you are managing and if we can be of assistance. And remember to reach out to your colleagues across the English Australia community to give and get support. In these challenging times, our strength comes from our support for one another!
Sincerely,
Ian Aird
CEO
English Australia
Advocacy Update
English Australia Advocates
The Koala News, 29 April: “The government claims this student visa fee increase will raise $760 million dollars for the government over coming years. It will cost Australian businesses that much next year alone in lost earnings.”
Study Travel, 1 May: Ahead of Australia’s elections this week, Ian Aird, CEO of ELT sector peak body English Australia, writes about the governing Labor Party’s recent commitment to further increase student visa fees and the damage this would cause to the sector and the wider economy.
The Koala News, 30 April: “In the last year, the Australian ELICOS sector has lost 20 years of investment in becoming a first-choice destination for international students from around the world. This has happened to address a problem to which the ELICOS sector arguably does not even contribute.”
Study Travel, 17 April: “The proposal to further increase this fee … would be devastating for the English language teaching sector. As the average enrolment is less than 20 weeks, this application charge would be utterly disproportionate,”
English Australia PD Update
English Australia’s Introduction to Compliance in ELICOS course is officially open!
We’re excited to launch the first module in English Australia’s Certified Professional course: Introduction to Compliance in ELICOS – now available exclusively to members!
This self-paced online course is designed for all ELICOS professionals – from teachers and academic managers to student services, marketing and admissions staff. It provides a clear, practical overview of your compliance obligations under the ELICOS Standards.
✔ Essential for onboarding new staff
✔ Keeps current teams up to date
✔ Builds confidence with built-in assessment
✔ Sets the stage for upcoming modules covering marketing, enrolment, student support, and more
Enrol now and make sure you and your team are compliance-confident.
Member access only – non-member access coming soon!
English Australia PD Update
Countdown to English Australia Conference – Early-bird registrations and accommodation now available
English Australia Corporate Affiliates
We’d like to welcome our newest Corporate Affiliates, NSW Tourism Association
NSW Tourism Association are excited to present the NSW Tourism Awards; the pinnacle awards program for the New South Wales visitor economy.
The awards, presented by NSW Tourism Association, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the state’s tourism industry, and form part of the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards.
Open to all tourism businesses within New South Wales, categories include tourist attractions, tours and transport, festivals and events, food, wine, accommodation and more.
Winners of the Awards are announced at a Gala Ceremony in late November.
📅 Nominations close: Friday, 27 June
📤 Final submissions due: Wednesday, 20 August
🎉 Gala event: Thursday, 27 November – Waterview, Bicentennial Park
💰 Entry Fees: $220 + GST for members | $295 + GST for non-members
Learn more / Nominate your Business
