Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement of an extension to the JobKeeper program today, which will provide much-needed support to many of Australia’s 128 independent higher education providers.

Though not directly affected by the university funding reforms announced by the Education Minister today, independent higher education providers are focussed on career outcomes for their students and creating job-ready graduates at minimal cost to the taxpayer.

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the Australian Parliament’s passage of the Education Legislation Amendment Bill today enacting a temporary exemption for students from the unfair 25% FEE-HELP Loan Fee.

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today that the Australian Government is working with the States and Territories to establish pilot programs for international student travel to recommence this year.

Independent Higher Education Australia welcomes the COAG Education Council’s agreement to establish nationally consistent messaging about higher education admissions processes for 2021 to ensure that students completing their secondary schooling in 2020 receive clear guidance on the process for transition into tertiary study.

IHEA’s member institutions are independent higher education providers with a range of business models and they have all been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in a variety of ways.

The Peer Review Portal has been working with Independent Higher Education Australia over several years to offer a benchmarking mechanism to IHEA members.

IHEA welcomes the National Cabinet’s Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia, including consideration of the conditions under which international student travel can recommence.

IHEA has welcomed the news that the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has approved its first accreditations for the new Undergraduate Certificate, approving applications from IHEA member International College of Management Sydney (ICMS)

Student success remains the first priority for IHEA members. Independent Higher Education Australia has prepared a collated document for independent higher education providers highlighting support programs for international students announced by the State and Federal Governments.