Latest blog posts

Work and Holiday Visa - planning pathways to Australia

Work and Holiday Visa – planning pathways to Australia

Many applicants dream of coming to Australia to travel, work, and explore—but if their English skills aren’t strong yet, they may face challenges finding good job opportunities or adapting quickly to life in Australia. We have prepared a strategy that can make a big difference to the experience. One of the most effective ways for

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The Pitfall of Fraudulent Student Applications: A Risk Providers Unwillingly Take

The Pitfall of Fraudulent Student Applications: A Risk Providers Unwillingly Take

One of the biggest threats to the integrity of international education is students applying with bogus or fraudulent documents — whether academic, financial, or identity-related. While the temptation to “game the system” might come from pressure or poor advice, the consequences are serious: visa refusals, bans, and reputational damage — not just for the applicant,

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Record-breaking overseas student arrivals—but is the surge real?

Record-breaking overseas student arrivals—but is the surge real?

In an article published by the AFR on 18 March 2025 titled “Overseas student numbers blow out to historic high,” the author highlights the surge in international student arrivals at a record high of 201,490 overseas students who entered Australia in February 2025. However, the sensational headline fails to capture the full context of the

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The Australian federal budget for 2025–26 and its impact on international education

The Australian federal budget for 2025–26 and its impact on international education

The Australian federal budget for 2025–26, unveiled on March 25, presents mixed outcomes for international education and related small businesses. Significant budget measures and economic forecasts are set to influence the trajectory of Australia’s third-largest export sector. The budget notably forecasts a decline in Net Overseas Migration (NOM), projecting a decrease from 300,000 in 2024–25

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Social Media Engagement: Winning Strategies for Education Providers

Social Media Engagement: Winning Strategies for Education Providers

In today’s digital-first environment, social media isn’t just another communication channel—it’s a powerful recruitment tool. Education providers and agents need to leverage social platforms not only to inform but also to captivate and inspire their audience. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need—from creating structured monthly plans to mastering the art of impactful posting. Know

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Challenges for Small Business Owners as TSMIT rises

Challenges for Small Business Owners as TSMIT rises

The Australian government has announced that the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $73,150 to $76,515 as of July 1, 2025.This change means that employers who sponsor foreign workers must offer a minimum salary of $76,515 plus a 12% superannuation contribution, bringing the total cost per worker to $85,696.80. While the goal

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Education Agent Code of Ethics

Education Agent Code of Ethics

Education agents are playing an important role in the recruitment of international students to Australia and to other countries in that matter. It is therefore expected that education agents provide high-quality services to prospective and current students in the Australian education and training sector. We have highlighted a set of seven ethical principles that serve

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The changing role of an education agent

The changing role of an education agent

I have been a part of the international education industry since 2002, and I have witnessed significant changes in the landscape of international education, particularly in the role of education agents. Historically, education agents were valued as in-country advisors that provided information and application support to future students on a local basis. There has been

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Why Orientation is Crucial for International Students

Why Orientation is Crucial for International Students

“Orientation is a pivotal moment in a student’s journey—it can set them up for success or leave them struggling.” The Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) and National Code (NC) emphasise that orientation programs must support international students in adjusting to life and study in Australia. Yet, too often, orientation is treated as a one-time event

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Ensuring a Successful Visa Application to Australia: Accuracy, Consistency, and Evidence

Ensuring a Successful Visa Application to Australia: Accuracy, Consistency, and Evidence

Applying for a visa to Australia is a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. Every applicant must ensure that their submission meets the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements, particularly in three key areas: providing correct and complete information, maintaining consistency with previous applications, and supplying evidence for all statements made. Failing to adhere

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International Student Numbers Decline Amid Sector Caps and Policy Shifts

International Student Numbers Decline Amid Sector Caps and Policy Shifts

International students continue to view Australia positively as a study destination, but rising living costs and changes in visa regulations are shaping perceptions, according to the latest annual survey by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). Shifting Student Sentiment The survey highlights areas where student sentiment has evolved. Australia is being perceived as a

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Agents in the international education - review of 2024

Agents in the international education – review of 2024

The year 2024 has been a year of significant regulatory shifts in the education agent space across multiple countries. While the intent behind these reforms is clear—to improve transparency, accountability, and student protection—the key challenge will be in implementation and enforcement. The Australian government introduced changes to the National Code of Practice for Providers of

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International Students, Housing, and Working Holiday Makers

Opinion: International Students, Housing, and Working Holiday Makers

Reports reveal that opposition leader Peter Dutton owns $30 million in property, and good for him. However, both major political parties are using international education as a weapon in the upcoming elections. Yet, the question remains—is Australia’s housing crisis real, or is it an engineered scarcity designed to preserve inflated property values? The government continues

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A Tough Outlook for Australia’s International Education Sector

A Tough Outlook for Australia’s International Education Sector

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to cut the cash rate by 0.25% may have brought relief to mortgage holders, but for the international education sector, the latest Monetary Policy Statement offered little in the way of optimism. The challenges facing the industry were underscored by IDP Education Ltd.’s financial results for the first

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Mastering International College Administration: Essential Skills & Knowledge

Mastering International College Administration: Essential Skills & Knowledge

Working as an International College Administrator is a dynamic and multifaceted role that requires a unique combination of technical expertise, compliance knowledge, and soft skills. From student enrolment to regulatory compliance, administrators play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations in international educational institutions. Whether you’re entering this field or looking to enhance your expertise,

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The Role and Regulation of Education Agents: Is it now time for a rethink?

The Role and Regulation of Education Agents: Is it now time for a rethink?

The recent closure of GrowPro has reignited discussions about the responsibilities and protections afforded to education agents. In a previous article, I explored strategies for better managing agents to prevent issues like those seen with GrowPro. However, one contributor raised a crucial counterpoint—while we often discuss protecting students when an education provider collapses, what about

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Staying Strong Together: Navigating Change in International Education

Staying Strong Together: Navigating Change in International Education

The international education sector is going through some serious turbulence—policy changes, financial pressures, and closures of providers and agents big and small. It’s no surprise that anxiety is running high. But here’s the thing: this industry has always been about resilience, adaptability, and community. Yes, things are tough. Many businesses are struggling. Students, agents, and

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Future of technology: is AI taking over from SaaS?

Future of technology: is AI taking over from SaaS?

In recent discussions about the future of software delivery, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has made bold statements suggesting that traditional Software as a Service (SaaS) models may become obsolete as Artificial Intelligence (AI) rises to prominence. Nadella envisions a shift where AI agents, capable of autonomously performing tasks and making decisions, will transform how software

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Australia’s Jobs in Demand for 2025: A Guide for International Students

Australia’s Jobs in Demand for 2025: A Guide for International Students

For international students considering Australia as their study destination, career planning should start well before arrival. Selecting the right study pathway can significantly impact future job opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition from education to employment. With the Australian job market constantly evolving, it is crucial to align educational choices with industries experiencing strong demand. To

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GROWPRO – Next Steps After Your Agency Closes

GROWPRO – Next Steps After an Agency Closes

The industry has been rocked by the recent closure of GrowPro Agency, a prominent player in the international education sector. Established in 2013, GrowPro had facilitated the journeys of over 15,000 students to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, Malta, and Ireland. In 2022, the company reported revenues exceeding AUD45 million. The GrowPro Agency’s

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