The student voice must not be lost

The theme of this year’s conference was the human element, inviting educators, researchers, policymakers and thought leaders to consider the significance of human connection in the work they do, particularly in this rapidly evolving digital era.

Attendees were reminded how the human element underpins every successful student journey, and importance was placed on ensuring the student voice is not lost amid political rhetoric, so-called ‘robocaps’, and other themes dominating discussions.

“There’s so much uncertainty and change facing international students right now,” said IDP’s director of partnerships and external relations Joanna Storti.

“And they don’t really get a vote on any of it. They don’t get to vote on what’s happening in the policy space… so we really need to listen to lean in and listen.

“We need to understand the potential impacts amongst our future students and talk about what this means for future destination Australia.”

Throughout the conference, attendees heard from international students in a number of sessions – including The PIE’s student cafe session, where students were encouraged to speak frankly about their student journey to conference attendees.

We need to understand the potential impacts amongst our future students and talk about what this means for future destination Australia
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Students had many positive things to say about Australia as a study destination, including all the ways in which they had invested in the country and the ways in which Australia had invested in them.

However, student discussions also highlighted critical areas where the sector needs improvement.

One student shared the challenge of finding employment and recalled being advised to use a more Anglo-Saxon-sounding name on applications, while another spoke openly about the impact of structural racism on her experience.

Change is afoot

Whether you view Australia’s policy shifts as cyclical or believe they represent a more structural change, one thing is clear: change is on the horizon.

Despite months of controversy surrounding the ESOS Amendment Bill, education minister Jason Clare doubled down on the bill set to transform Australia’s international education landscape as we know it, set to cap international student numbers, among other changes.

Addressing delegates at the conference, Clare told them: “The Bill has been in parliament for 160 days. It’s time to pass the Bill and get rid of ministerial direction 107.”

On multiple panels throughout the conference, government representatives confirmed that, despite the Bill not yet being passed, they are working behind the scenes to ensure procedures are on track to be updated by the January 1 implementation date, dispelling any hopes of a possible delay.

Fittingly, the theme of next year’s AIEC conference is ‘navigating change’ and will will take place in Australia’s capital and parliamentary hub, Canberra, on 14-17 October 2025.

Collaboration and togetherness

Many have complained about a lack of consultation between government and sector but it is clear that collaboration will be the cornerstone of any successful path forward.

Whether it’s between government and sector, institution to institution, across borders, or at the individual level, building strong partnerships will be essential to navigating challenges ahead.

Attendees heard about the impact of dedicated task groups, such as the one involved in defining the government’s TNE exceptions to the cap rule. The TNE stakeholder reference group played a crucial role in advocating for more flexible cap regulations, successfully securing less restrictive limits for certain TNE programs by engaging with government.

With some institutions rushing to explore TNE due to the newly detailed exceptions to the cap rule, it’s evident that partnerships with international institutions and countries will play a vital role in Australia’s approach going forward.

Listening and learning from competitors has never been more critical. The conference heard from Larissa Bezo, president of CBIE, who highlighted the challenges Canadian institutions face in meeting their own federal government-imposed caps, offering a cautionary lesson for Australian providers about the impact on the country’s attractiveness.

To help institutions prepare effectively, IEAA’s CEO Phil Honeywood is lobbying the government for a 15% buffer in the cap for the initial adjustment year – a move that could provide essential flexibility.