IHEA Welcomes AQF Review Report

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) has welcomed the release of the final report of the Expert Panel for the Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

IHEA made a substantive and detailed submission to the Expert Panel, informed by consultation with its member organizations in the independent higher education sector.

“I am pleased that the recommendations of the AQF Review Panel are responsive to the issues which IHEA raised in its submission,” said IHEA CEO Mr Simon Finn.

“10% of higher education enrolements are with independent providers, and enrolement growth is outpacing public universities. Sensible reforms to the AQF will unlock the vibrancy of Australia’s independent higher education sector, and will better support the success of both students and independent providers.”

The review makes a number of recommendations which will make independent education more accessible and attractive, including:

• Simplification, streamlining and rationalization of the AQF, including fewer and more clearly defined bands
• A closer and clearer relationship between the HESF and the AQF, and clear accountabilities for TEQSA in using the AQF
• To include alignment of micro-credentials and other short credentials within the AQF, including clear guidance on RPL for micro-credentials and other innovative learning contexts.

IHEA looks forward to continuing to engage with the process as the recommendations of the report are considered by the COAG Education Council and the COAG Skills Council.