News and Opportunities
China education agent sessions discuss visas
06 Aug 2012
A recent series of briefings for education agents in China raised discussion about Streamlined Visa Processing and Post Study Work Visas.
Austrade, in collaboration with Australian Education International (AEI) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), organised another tour of agent information sessions in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu in late June 2012. These events were attended by a total of 250 participants, mostly senior education consultants from major agents and representatives of Australian providers.
The information sessions aimed to advise education agents about the second phase of new student visa measures being implemented by the Australian Government as a result of the Knight Review. AEI and Austrade also delivered briefings on respective policy and updates, including the My University website and the Endeavour Scholarship programs. Austrade briefed the agents on the latest market trends and upcoming marketing initiatives under Future Unlimited branding. Additionally, Austrade conducted a workshop with all participating agents on how best to promote Australian education in the face of competition from other key English-speaking study destinations.
The briefings saw very keen Q&A discussions and lively deliberation with agents. The agents gave positive feedback and highly valued the chance to share their insights and put forward their suggestions. Some recommendations made by agents of interest to Australian institutions in terms of strengthening their marketing efforts in China, are:
- codifying quality of education through factual and statistical information, as opposed to generic promotion
- demonstrating graduate outcomes through employment and job successes, and breaking down the information to discipline level as a way to counsel students on program choice
- strengthening any work experience and internship opportunities to improve and enhance the job readiness of students
- creating scholarship programs to stimulate the market and renew interest in studying in Australia. This suggestion is made particularly in the light of the much bigger range of scholarship opportunities offered by American institutions
- capitalising on the current interests in China about Gaokao being accepted by Australian universities for direct entry to bachelor degree programs by making clear general and specific entry requirements.
In view of the many questions raised by agents relating to the new student visa measures, especially on Streamlined Visa Processing (SVP) and Post Study Work (PSW) Visa arrangements, DIAC has prepared a comprehensive summary of answers. The summary was sent to all the participating agents and also posted at the Austrade SIA China website.