Australia’s long-term international education strategy anticipates a strategic shift and a need to to prioritize soft power influence over the sheer economic impact of the country’s universities on the global stage.
The Lygon Group’s University internationalisation futures report, commissioned by Universities Australia, further, raises concerns about the potential negative impact on Australia’s global reputation due to a lack of “domestic diplomacy.” It emphasizes the importance of enhancing Australians’ understanding of the value of international higher education. The authors caution that if returning international students encounter exploitation, racism, or exclusion, it could tarnish the nation’s standing in the international community.
The report highlights the need for a greater role for universities in addressing global challenges should be at the forefront of Australia’s internationalization efforts.
As the global soft power landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with China actively promoting scholarships, global Mandarin education, and skills support through initiatives like the Belt and Road, the report suggests that Australia should focus on educational soft power and development in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia over the next three decades. The proposed initiatives include offering higher education scholarships to individuals in these regions and providing study abroad opportunities for Australians.
The authors argue that such an approach would not only contribute to a more sustainable and long-term support system in the Pacific but would also drive tertiary education, capacity building, and innovation in the region.
Anticipating global demographic changes, the report highlights the impact on Australia’s international education sector. With aging populations in parts of Europe and East Asia and lower-income countries projected to have prime-age labor forces by 2050, the demand for higher education is expected to shift. The report advises Australian institutions to collaborate with nations experiencing working-age population growth.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for the international education sector to become more Africa-literate, as emerging markets in the region, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, witness substantial increases in international student enrollment. Outgoing Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson acknowledges the importance of maintaining ties with top source countries like India, Nepal, and China. However, she emphasizes the necessity of engaging with new partners to sustain education as a major export industry.
The Lygon Group also advocates for a collaborative approach to Australia’s engagement with China. It suggests finding ways for universities in both countries to work in genuine partnership, especially as young people in China face a challenging job market. The report predicts that more Chinese individuals will look to Australia for employment and long-term migration opportunities.
Catriona Jackson underscores the findings as a reinforcement of the need for a proactive and strategic approach to international education. She emphasizes that the skills and talents of international students contribute significantly to Australia’s skills mix, and the sector plays a vital role in shaping global responses to various challenges through research and soft power.
Jackson concludes by stating that the evolving international environment makes the role of Australian universities in global contexts increasingly crucial. Any changes to the country’s international education policy settings, both current and future, must be carefully considered in light of the sector’s substantial benefits and responsibilities. As Australia navigates this rapidly changing landscape, a strategic approach to international education remains paramount.
