IHEA Supports Clear Admissions Guidance for Class of 2020

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 members acknowledge the COAG Education Council’s work to drive collaboration between the sector and state jurisdictions to achieve the best outcomes in terms of communication with students. Today’s announcement will assure students and their families of the importance and validity of their studies towards achieving an ATAR this year and ensures there will be clarity and transparency in messaging in an unusually stressful and anxious year for Year 12 students.

To ensure equity and fairness for students beyond COVID, independent providers should be given equal access to the Tertiary Admissions Centres’ admissions processes along with public universities. Currently, students accessing TACs for information on courses that meet their educational and career objectives can miss the opportunities provided by an independent provider who does not have equal access to TAC services.

In these difficult times for the Australian economy, it is critical that students have as much choice and flexibility in their course options as possible. Students who select the best course for them can follow their passion and are more likely to complete their qualification of choice, successfully upskill and be job-ready on graduation.

Independent higher education providers receive nation-leading QILT scores for course quality, skills development, student support and learner engagement. These are critical attributes for ensuring high levels of achievement and course completion.

IHEA also welcomes the Council’s affirmation that Year 12 students experiencing particular disadvantage as a result of the impacts of the disruption caused by COVID-19 will have the opportunity to be given special consideration regarding their ATAR and admission to higher education.