Higher Education - Competing Internationally

Overview

Join CEDA for this unprecedented event as five Vice-Chancellors of Western Australia's universities discuss whether Australia can reclaim its mantle as a leading destination for international students.

University of Canberra, The Education Institute, Director, Professor Louise Watson, a panel member of the Federal Government's Higher Education Base Funding Review, will discuss its recommendations, designed to ensure Australian higher education remains internationally competitive.

The recommendations include:

• Setting international benchmarks;
• Improving funding and investment structures;
• Providing performance incentives, and
• Ensuring access and equity.

At its peak in 2009, Australia's international education sector was the country's third largest export industry, contributing $9.3 billion to the economy.

In 2009-10, the international education industry was severely impacted by a number of external factors including:

The GFC;

• The high Australian dollar;
• Reputational damage; and
• Changes to the student visa and skilled migration policies by the Federal Government.

Faced with a sector in dramatic decline, the Federal Government commissioned the Higher Education Base Funding Review in October 2010.

Attendees will hear from leading education experts as they explore key issues at this exclusive CEDA event.

Meet the speakers

Professor Louise Watson
Director, The Education Institute
University of Canberra

Professor Celia Hammond
Vice Chancellor
University of Notre Dame

Professor Kerry Cox
Vice Chancellor
Edith Cowan University

Professor Richard Higgott
Vice Chancellor
Murdoch University

Professor Jeanette Hacket
Vice Chancellor
Curtin University

Professor Paul Johnson
Vice Chancellor
The University of Western Australia