Mr Mathew Hilakari MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Education
Representing the Hon Gabrielle Williams MP
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education
Victorian Government
Peter van Vliet
CEO
Migration Institute of Australia
Since mid-2023, the government has introduced numerous measures aimed at improving integrity in international education and reducing student numbers. More policy changes are expected. The government has created a chaotic environment for students, agents and education providers. Can stable rules be reinstated?
This panel will explore how Australian universities are expanding their global presence through transnational education (TNE) and how these developments are reshaping the future of international student recruitment.
Each panellist will provide a brief update on their university’s latest international expansion and TNE initiatives, including Monash University’s strategy and developments in China, Swinburne University’s new presence in Qatar, Deakin University’s developments in Indonesia, and RMIT University’s expansion in India.
The session will prioritise an open and interactive discussion rather than lengthy presentations, with significant time dedicated to audience questions. Panellists will share their perspectives on how TNE, offshore delivery and deeper international partnerships are changing the way Australian universities engage with students, education partners and international markets.
Panellists:
- Dr Jason McGovern Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement at Swinburne University of Technology
- John Molony - Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (International) Deakin University
- Layton Pike – Vice President (International) RMIT University
Australia’s ELICOS and international school sectors are facing significant challenges in the current international education environment. A combination of factors — including visa settings and processing, broader international education policies, student accommodation, guardian
arrangements and changing market conditions — is creating increasing pressure on student demand and enrolments.
This panel will bring together government and sector leaders to openly discuss the key challenges facing ELICOS providers and schools, identify the barriers affecting international students and their families, and explore possible practical solutions. Importantly, the session will be a call to action — considering what government, education providers and the broader international education sector can do together to rebuild confidence, address current barriers and support the sustainable recovery and future growth of these important sectors.
Panellists:
- Linda Vaughan, Executive Director, Department of Education
- Rachel Holthouse, CEO, Independent Schools Victor
- Jocelyn Hill, Assistant Principal, Northcote High School (Invited and TBC
- Moderator: - Tom Gifford, Director, Global Student Recruitment, RMIT University
This panel brings together university admissions leaders to explore the evolving relationship between universities and education consultants. The discussion will focus on what universities expect from consultants today, what makes a high-quality international student application, and how universities and consultants can work more effectively together to support students from application to enrolment.
Panellists:
- Wencong Chai, Director, Admissions, The University of Sydney
- James Marshall, Director, Admissions, Monash University
- Fotios Lampropoulos, Associate Director, Admissions, Pathways and Operations. RMIT University
Moderator:
- Tony Tong, Associate Director, Admission and Contract Centre, The University of Queensland
At the end of the 2025-26 financial year, applications for student visas for ELICOS were nearly 30% lower than they were 20 years ago. The enrolment figures were also the lowest in nearly 20 years. The October announcements of drastic cuts to onshore applications will see ELICOS numbers fall further.
This session will explore:
- what these latest changes will mean for ELICOS.
- what the flow on impact will be for VET and HE enrolments.
- what the future of ELICOS looks like.
- what adjustments are needed.
Ian Aird
CEO, English Australia
A Q&A Session with Matthew Noble Assistant Secretary
Temporary Visas, Department of Home Affairs
The Hon. Julian Hill MP
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs
Assistant Minister for International Education
Session Facilitator
Sunny Yang
Vice-President (Growth and International), Monash University
The Minister will be introduced by Sunny Yang, who will facilitate the session and lead an audience Q&A following the Minister’s remarks.
