This Month
Labor wants 50/50 split between universities and VET
The move would mean pushing tens of thousands of prospective university students towards TAFE and other vocational courses.
IDP Education blown off course by global migration headwinds
The Melbourne-based company said student numbers were likely to be 28 to 30 per cent lower than expected amid policy changes in the US, UK and Canada.
Unis rake in record foreign student revenues ahead of crackdown
New figures reveal record highs in both the number of overseas students enrolled in 2024, as well as the cash flowing to some universities from tuition fees.
May
How graduates are finding an edge in a tightening employment market
New data shows hiring is slowing down, but those who take their destinies into their own hands still have a bright future.
Need a skillcation? This ceramics workshop will spark creativity
Learn to spin clay in Sicily’s burgeoning ceramics hub.
How this exec transferred her skills from luxury retail to health
Holly Masters used to run a luxury brand business. Now she is the CEO of the McGrath Foundation. The two jobs are not as different as you might think.
‘Cynical ploy’: Coalition’s student maths gets a fail mark
The Coalition stands accused of creative maths after claiming it would raise $3.5billion from overseas students in taxes and visa fees, despite slashing numbers.
April
Canada’s collapse a warning as international students baulk at fees
Half of all prospective international students say an increase in visa fees of the magnitude promised by Labor and the Coalition would make them reconsider studying in Australia.
Foreign students slugged with visa fees seven-times higher than rivals
Student visa fees are set to rise, again, this time making them seven times more expensive than the United States, one of Australia’s closest competitors.
Migrant surge to persist as graduates bring in families
A glut of Indian and Nepalese graduates bringing out family members while they work on post-study visas will wreak havoc with election promises on migration.
The one human skill no algorithm can replace
It is adaptability that allows us to recognise the signals of change, adjust to fresh conditions, and apply innovative thinking to new problems.
March
Dutton’s migration cuts are ‘not a game changer’
The opposition leader is conflating temporary and permanent migrants to criticise Labor’s immigration track record and his cuts won’t free up housing, experts say.
February
Pub chain got $9.7m taxpayer funds to fully train just 96 staff
In new evidence of widespread wastage in a Coalition training scheme, a pub group backed by Coles got $100,000 per worker to learn basic hospitality skills.
Why businesses are key to fixing Australia’s skills gaps
Cutting-edge training and education is happening in Australia’s largest employers. If we are to meet our national skills challenge, we must encourage more of it.
How careers counsellors could help plug the skills gap
Encouraging teenagers to complete high school and giving them access to careers counselling are key to plugging the yawning skills gap.
January
Will AI make you dumber?
It’s a question that some HR bosses are pondering, albeit in less dramatic terms. And an academic paper might hold some answers.
Unis expect near-record foreign student numbers despite policy chaos
The Albanese government has been switching higher education guidelines in efforts to reduce the international student intake, with little effect.
The skills you need to thrive at work in 2025
Experts say critical thinking, problem-solving and using generative AI ethically and productively are among the top skills for knowledge workers this year.
December 2024
‘Give us a chance’: More visas not enough to fix skills crisis
According to a recently launched coalition of business groups, unions and community organisations, more than 620,000 permanent migrants work below their skill levels and qualifications.
Migration target not a chance, as students keep coming
A raft of government reforms to slow the rate of net migration have been slow to take hold as more students arrive and fewer leave.