Australia University Review 2024

The Australian University Review final report was released on 25 February 2024. The premise is that Australia needs a more equitable and innovative higher education system. The Review found that Australia doesn’t fully utilise the full potential of its university research as a source of innovation.

The summary report [  Australian Universities Accord - Summary Report.pdf  ] contents cover; equity and innovation for higher education; A new vision for tertiary education; Ambitious targets; Skills through equity; Real equity funding; New qualifications and  better pathways;  Putting students at the centre;  A stronger research system; New leadership and stewardship; A better funding model; Let’s get started; Summary of recommendations.

There are several findings that seem to be compatible with the direction of the AusIMM, including;

• New qualifications and better pathways that may include Modular, stackable skills. Australia should develop new and more flexible and efficient ways for individuals to attain the skills they need across their working life.
• Fee-free preparatory courses. An important way of increasing enrolments, particularly from under-represented groups, is through enabling or ‘preparatory’ courses.
• Encouraging aspiration. Decisions about attending tertiary education are often formed early in life, affected by numerous factors, including students’ background and where they live.
• Recognising the reality and importance of student part-time work. Much can be done and should be done, to support students to earn and learn successfully at the same time.
• Job Ready Graduates (JRG) package reduced the amount of funding available to higher education providers to deliver subjects that are critical to future jobs and innovation like science, engineering and mathematics.
• Quality learning and teaching. Students look to more accessible means of studying, there is a need to improve the quality of learning and teaching.