Ensuring Quality and Integrity in International VET: A Call to Action for CRICOS RTOs Leave a comment

The international vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia is experiencing rapid growth, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While the influx of international students enriches the cultural landscape and boosts the economy, it also presents risks, particularly around non-compliance and unethical practices by some education providers. To safeguard the integrity of Australian education, ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) has identified key areas of concern and outlined necessary actions for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Key Focus Areas for International Education

ASQA’s priorities include addressing issues related to:

1. Ghost Colleges: Some institutions, known as ‘ghost colleges,’ are primarily focused on facilitating visa applications rather than providing genuine education. These providers undermine the sector by not enforcing attendance or academic progression, leading to a lack of meaningful educational outcomes for students.
2. Fit and Proper Person Requirements: It’s essential that RTOs are managed by individuals of good character with the requisite skills. This measure helps prevent fraudulent activities and ensures providers operate with integrity.
3. Misleading Marketing Practices: Some providers mislead prospective students with promises of visa success and migration pathways, rather than focusing on the educational value of their courses. This practice not only deceives students but also fosters a negative image of Australia’s educational standards.
4. Non-Compliance with Reporting Obligations: Ensuring accurate reporting of student attendance and course progress is critical. Some providers fail to meet these obligations, facilitating academic cheating and other unethical practices.
5. Fraudulent Issuance of Qualifications: The issuing of fake qualifications devalues legitimate education and poses significant risks to public safety and industry standards.

The Risks and Impacts

Non-compliant providers affect more than just the reputation of the VET sector. They facilitate visa fraud, encourage academic dishonesty, and expose students and staff to potential criminal activities, including labour exploitation and human trafficking. This not only harms individual students but also undermines fair competition within the sector, making it challenging for ethical providers to thrive.

ASQA’s Regulatory Response

To address these challenges, ASQA is implementing a comprehensive compliance strategy:

• Compliance Blitz: ASQA is conducting unannounced monitoring visits and investigations targeting CRICOS providers. This ensures that only those meeting the required standards continue to operate.
• Enhanced Monitoring and Enforcement: Key areas under scrutiny include Fit and Proper Person requirements, marketing practices, and financial viability. ASQA utilizes data surveillance and intelligence gathering to identify and act against non-compliance.
• Legal Actions and Penalties: Sanctions, including suspension or deregistration of non-compliant providers, are being enforced. Legal actions are also pursued against unregistered organisations engaging in illegal activities.
• Collaboration and Reform: ASQA collaborates with policy agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the integrity of international education and ensure the sector meets Australia’s skills needs.

Actions Required by RTOs to Meet Standards

To align with ASQA’s standards and ensure compliance, RTOs should take the following actions:

1. Ensure Genuine Course Delivery:
   • Compliant Procedures for Course Progress and Attendance: Implement and maintain robust procedures that monitor and document student course progress and attendance. These procedures should clearly outline the expectations for student participation and the criteria for satisfactory progress.
   • Follow Processes and Conduct Interventions: Actively monitor these procedures, assess student performance regularly, and conduct interventions when students are at risk of not meeting progress or attendance requirements. This could include additional support sessions or counseling.
   • Take Relevant Action Based on Policies: Take appropriate actions when issues arise, according to the established policies. This may involve adjusting study loads, providing additional academic support, or revising student enrolment statuses as necessary.
   • Complete Relevant Documents: Thoroughly document all actions and decisions, including records of interventions, support provided, and any changes to student enrolments. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance during audits and inspections.
   • Record All Evidence: Maintain comprehensive evidence of all activities and decisions related to student progress and attendance. This includes records of communications with students, intervention strategies employed, and outcomes achieved.
2. Adhere to Fit and Proper Person Requirements:
   • Regularly review and ensure that key personnel meet the fit and proper person criteria.
   • Conduct background checks and continuous monitoring of management and ownership structures.
3. Conduct Ethical Marketing:
   • Provide clear and accurate information about the educational offerings rather than focusing on visa or migration pathways.
   • Avoid any misleading or exaggerated claims in marketing materials.
4. Comply with Reporting Obligations:
   • Ensure that all student data, including attendance and course progress, is accurately reported and regularly updated.
   • Implement systems to monitor and report student performance and engagement.
5. Avoid Fraudulent Practices:
   • Establish robust processes for assessing qualifications and prevent the issuance of fraudulent qualifications.
   • Ensure that recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessments are conducted thoroughly and transparently.
6. Engage Ethical Agents:
   • Work only with education and migration agents who uphold high standards of integrity and transparency.
   • Regularly audit and review the practices of partnered agents to ensure compliance with Australian laws.

By taking these steps, RTOs can not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute to maintaining the high standards and reputation of Australia’s international education sector. This commitment to compliance and quality will ensure a fair and beneficial experience for all international students.

For more information, visit the ASQA page on international delivery.