Labor Vows to Regulate International Education Agents Amid Concerns of GP Involvement in Student Recruitment Schemes

Australian universities have long relied on foreign agents to boost enrollments and provide support to offshore students during application processes and accommodation arrangements. However, recent revelations have prompted Labor's commitment to crack down on the unregulated practices within this sector.

Exploitative Practices: International Student Agents Accused of Deceptive Promises, "Institution Swapping," and Huge Bonuses

Agents involved in recruiting international students have faced accusations of enticing them with false assurances of full-time employment and a pathway to permanent residency. These agents have allegedly been receiving substantial bonuses from private providers with subpar course outcomes.

Disturbingly, a parliamentary inquiry revealed that counsellors and general practitioners (GPs) were actively assisting both onshore and offshore agents in engaging in "institution swapping" schemes, enabling agents to earn extra commissions.

Exploiting a "Loophole": Agents Manipulate Medical Professionals to Facilitate Transfers to Cheap Providers. Agents have been accused of exploiting a loophole by initially securing student visas at prestigious public institutions. Once this step is accomplished, they then engage medical professionals to provide medical certificates, supporting the students' requests for a transfer to alternative, more affordable private providers.

Within six months of enrollment, international students must obtain approval for a provider change from their current institution, with grounds such as illness or distressing events considered valid reasons for switching.

Varsha Devi Balakrishnan, representing the Lygon Group, an international education specialist, testified during the inquiry, shedding light on how agents manipulate this loophole. They strategically place students at reputable public institutions before subsequently moving them to cheaper providers, often repeating the process multiple times.

Exploitation in Institution Swapping: Agents Utilize Counselors and GPs to Facilitate Transfers

According to Varsha Devi Balakrishnan, a representative from the Lygon Group, agents have access to counselors and GPs who can provide letters supporting institution swapping. Many students engage in discussions with agents prior to arriving in Australia, hoping that pursuing education in the country will lead to employment opportunities. However, they encounter numerous obstacles and barriers along the way.

Senator Deborah O'Neill, chair of the committee, expressed concerns about the international education sector, which has been previously labelled a "ponzi scheme." She highlighted the industry's vulnerability to exploitation, emphasising the potential damage to Australia's reputation.

A review led by the previous government, aimed at addressing these issues, failed to achieve consensus among peak bodies after two years of deliberation. O'Neill criticised the lack of progress in ensuring the protection of international students from gross exploitation and profiteering at their expense.

Source: Theguardian