higherEd

Clearer information needed to improve student choice

Clearer information and greater transparency are a step closer for Australians looking to go on to higher education after the Turnbull Government’s panel of education experts recently released the 82 submissions it had received into reforming higher education admissions processes.

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the submissions to the Higher Education Standards Panel included a number of strong ideas and highlighted how important admissions reform was for future students.

“What we want and need from the higher education system is autonomy for the various institutions across the country but much greater accountability of entry standards and course information,” Minister Birmingham said.

“The Turnbull Government wants to ‘shine a light’ on the practices and habits that may be keeping students in the dark.

“I regularly hear from students who are confused by how higher education institutions pick their students and from students who find it near-impossible to get a clear understanding of the study options available to them.

“The process we’re working through is bringing policymakers, education experts and higher education institutions together to act on the consensus view that the current system isn’t working in the best interests of students.

“The Higher Education Standards Panel will now work through the various submissions from across the country and provide recommendations to me on how we can help students choose the most appropriate course and provider for their further education.”

Chair of the Higher Education Standards Panel Professor Peter Shergold said he and his colleagues were working through the well-considered submissions.

“We’re working hard to determine the best way forward to ensure all those students who have studied so hard to get to where they are have a clear idea about their education options and are treated fairly through the higher education admissions process,” Professor Shergold said.

“Everyone acknowledges the current situation cannot continue and we are going to need concerted cooperation to ensure we reshape higher education admissions and give students more transparency.”

The Higher Education Standards Panel is expected to deliver their recommendations to Minister Birmingham later in 2016.

Submissions to the Higher Education Standards Panel’s consultation on transparency in admissions are available at: www.education.gov.au/submissions-received-higher-education-standards-panel