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