The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities) has welcomed the publication of Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) which has arrived after weeks of uncertainty for the international education sector. MD111 offers greater clarity on how visa processing will operate, and ATN Universities hopes that it will better enable universities to manage their enrolments.
ATN Universities Executive Director, Dr Ant Bagshaw, said that he was pleased to see refinements to the visa processing system:
“The Government has recognised through MD111 that we need greater stability and predictability for applicants and institutions, essential factors which ATN Universities has been seeking for the health of international education in Australia. Unrestricted visa processing for key groups – including research students, students from the Pacific, and students on transnational education programs – is particularly welcome.”
“As we recently called for, in a joint statement with the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) and Regional Universities Network (RUN), efficient visa processing is essential for the vitally important international education sector.”
“ATN Universities, with RUN and IRU, further made the case for a collaborative partnership to develop a long-term strategy that positions Australia as the destination of choice for international students. ATN Universities will continue to support all efforts to strengthen Australia’s global ties and to deliver lasting benefits for students, institutions, and communities.”
Media Contact (not for publication)
Ant Bagshaw (Executive Director) m 0414 076 345 e ant@atn.edu.au
