This article questions the use of the term 'siloed' to describe certain degrees or subjects in the Australian university curriculum. Education Minister Dan Tehan used the term as part of a justification of a re-set of funding priorities for university education from 2021 which he announced in June 2020. The Minister partly turned his argument on…

Academic practice is scrutinized and regulated with such "Corporate speak" terms as "performance indicators," "benchmarking," "service providers" and "clients." As part of a field where ideological shifts continue to apply marketized frames of reference as neoliberalism tightens its grip, new terms…

The split between higher education and vocational education and training (VET) in Australia is not clean. This paper discusses a number of aspects of this tertiary education sector: the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which describes the qualifications offered by the three education sectors: schools, higher education and VET; student…

When asked to demonstrate that they set standards for their higher education qualifications which are equivalent to Australian and international standards, Australian universities typically refer to a range of measures, and many refer to the accreditation of their programs by vocational bodies or registration boards. However, writes the author,…

It is argued that the present direction of changes in Australian higher education ends its distinctive mission. Transfer of colleges to the custodianship of universities is seen as leading to increased homogeneity. Emphasis on research and graduate study is seen as reducing pluralism and basic commitment to undergraduate education. (Author/MSE)

Explains and advocates a reform package (SuperHECS) for financing Australian undergraduate education, designed to give institutions more autonomy and more incentives for efficiency, generate more student choice, enhance teaching quality, and be fair to all eligible Australians. The program should cost the government no more than current…

Australia's federal government is seeking to broaden access to higher education, and this process will require restructuring of the sectors, increased articulation, collaboration of state and federal government to minimize educational disadvantagement, increased links with industry and community, and improvement in academic career paths and…

This paper reviews participation patterns of migrants, refugees, and permanent residents with language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE), at Australian universities in general, and the University of Melbourne in particular. It critically examines the effectiveness of current measures designed to improve the opportunities and university…

Two possible types of loans for undergraduate study are outlined (loans to cover fees only and loans for living costs), and suggested repayment schemes and need analyses are given. Some notes are given on the administration of such a program. (MSE)

Recent changes to the student profile in higher education and calls for improved graduation rates and better quality graduates have caused consternation among academics. Greater access to higher education by non-traditional groups is supported both ideologically and pragmatically. However, the disparate needs of such a student population has led…