AUSTRALIAN

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AGENT

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT

Hon Phil Honeywood

Chief Executive, IEAA

April 2015

About the Project

Project objectives

Seek feedback from the sector on the potential for a

quality framework for international education agents,

including an agent accreditation system and code of

ethics.

Gauge opinions from the various stakeholder groups

across the industry on options, issues, challenges and best

practice to help inform possible models for an Australian

education agent quality framework.

ieaa.org.au

Sector Consultation

Focus Groups

Focus groups with key stakeholders in Australia and offshore.

Focus groups include cross-sectoral representation from agents,

education providers, industry groups as well as state and

federal governments.

Sector Wide Survey

Open from 1–10 April.

Seeking feedback from across Australia’s international education

sector, including:

Onshore and offshore agents

Education providers

Government representatives

Peak and industry bodies.

ieaa.org.au

Initial Survey Findings

967 responses, 57 countries, over 500 qualitative comments

Respondent Types Agents onshore

Agents offshore

MARA agents

Agent associations

Public providers

Private providers

Government

Peak bodies

Respondent Sectors Higher education

VET

ELICOS

Foundation studies

Schools

Dual sector

ieaa.org.au

Initial Survey Findings

74% agree the existing quality arrangements for agents are effective

58% want something that goes beyond the existing arrangements

The most important elements of an Australian agent quality framework include:

A code of ethics

Australian education system induction /orientation training

Ongoing communications, training and information

The least important element is a rating or ranking system for agents

62% of respondents want a very highly regulated or a highly regulated agent quality framework

Only 53% of respondents are aware of the London Statement

On average, 90% of all those aware of the London Statement agree that ALL of the principles are relevant to Australia

ieaa.org.au

Initial Survey Findings

75% of all respondents want accreditation standards

The most important criteria for accreditation include: Adherence to a code of ethics

Completion of orientation training

Experience in the international education sector

The most attractive means of recognising effective agents

include: Agent certification (89%)

Access to Australian agent certification / branding (87%)

95% of respondents agree induction training is very important

or important

92% agree that ongoing training is very important or

important

47% agree that every counsellor in an office should

undertake training while 43% believe that only one person in

an office needs to be trained

79% agree that proof or certification of training is required

45% believe that training should be conducted annually and

another 34% believe it should be conducted every two years.

ieaa.org.au

From here…

Survey findings being assessed by various metrics to

determine differing opinions. (E.g. Respondent type,

Sector)

Conclude focus groups and interviews

Analysis and interpretation of all consultation and

research

Develop draft models and options

Final report

ieaa.org.au

Emerging principles…

ieaa.org.au

Australian Agent Quality Framework

Agent Quality

Framework

Agents

Providers

Government Students

Agent Assns.

A robust system to protect students and the sector

A coordinated, sector wide approach that clearly defines

the roles and expectations of all groups

A system to recognise effective agents and reward good

practice

A fair, open and transparent system with limited red tape

A cost effective and sustainable model

A system that is supported by the sector

US traditionally averse to using agents – many US

universities now pragmatically engaging with offshore

Agents in India.

The American International Recruitment Council (AIRC)

has produced a 50-page agent QA document which also

involves a subsequent face to face audit in India.

Not officially recognised, but becoming highly regarded

at both institution and government levels.

Does not provide a certificate to individual counsellors but

to the Agency as a whole.

No fee involved, however, agents are expected to make

a contribution to travel/accommodation expenses for US

based volunteer auditors to travel to India or other

countries for audit purposes.

ieaa.org.au

Other approaches to QA: USA

Canada has an overseas agent quality assurance

program partnership with ICEF.

This involves online tutorials, plus a voluntary test (with a

small fee payable).

It is not mandatory for agents’ staff to undertake the

program, but if a counsellor passes the test they receive a

certificate.

This system is not being used by many agents – little

incentive / disincentive.

Other approaches to QA: Canada

Education New Zealand Registered Agencies (ENZRA) is a

relatively new agent “quality assurance” system.

Basic/no cost online test is available to all offshore agents

– other “non- quality” criteria that apply to becoming a

registered agent.

The 10 current such agents in India have all been required

to meet guaranteed minimum student visa application

numbers and, in return, are invited to special NZ

education trade fairs, etc

This side of the “quality system” is being promoted by NZ

Trade Dept rather than NZ Immigration.

Other approaches to QA: New Zealand

More information

www.ieaa.org.au/research-projects/

international-education-agent-quality-assurance

ieaa.org.au

THANK-YOU