Australian Independent Higher Education Providers and QILT

Statements by COPHE CEO, Mr Simon Finn

The 2017 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) results released today demonstrate the high quality of Australia’s independent higher education providers.

"The 2017 QILT results show the high quality of education being delivered by Australia’s Independent Higher Education Providers. Independently surveyed student experience provides strong validation that the quality reputation of Australian higher education is not built on public universities alone. Independent providers scored 23 of the top 25 rankings by undergraduate students for Overall Quality and 24 of the top 25 rankings for Teaching Quality and Student Support across all Australian universities and higher education providers."

Similar results were reported for independent providers in the top 25 rankings on measures of Skills Development, (23 of the top 25 rankings) and Learner Engagement (21 of the top 25 rankings).

"Student rankings show independent providers leading the way in all quality categories of the undergraduate Student Experience Survey. Understandably, public universities with significant funding by the Australian community, have a larger number of top 25 rankings for learning resources, yet independent providers fill the top 5 rankings and almost half of the top 25 scores in this measure also (12 rankings).

Students enrolled with an independent provider study in courses that, with a few exceptions, do not receive any Commonwealth funding. These students who pay the full cost of their courses are acutely aware of the quality of the education they expect to receive.

These results show why more than 130,000 students choose to enrol with an independent higher education provider. These students are choosing a quality teaching experience, with high quality student support, learner engagement and skills development.

QILT results are the most reliable assessment of students experience with Australia’s higher education system. Respondents to the QILT Student Experience Surveys are the direct consumers of Australian higher education."

COPHE is a peak body representing a large number of Australia’s independent higher education providers.

"COPHE is delighted with the QILT results that indicate our members are delivering education programs that are rated highly by students on quality assessment measures, particularly teaching experience and student support. COPHE members are dedicated to providing students with the best possible education experience to advance their future careers.

The 2017 QILT results provide evidence of the critical part independent providers play in Australia’s reputation for high quality higher education."

For more information contact Simon Finn, COPHE CEO, on 0408 709 148.

Top 25 Rankings – Undergraduate Student Experience Survey