Global Education Groups: Why Invest in Australian Higher Education?
Contents
In this blog, we discuss how we recently helped a large global education group invest in Australian Higher Education.
A large multinational education group, widely recognized for its innovative programs and campuses across Europe, Asia, and North America, sought to establish a new campus in Australia. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education, the group aimed to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, engineering, and health sciences. However, to achieve this goal, the group needed to secure registration with Australia’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), which would enable them to operate as an accredited institution in the Australian higher education sector.
Objective
The group’s primary objective was to gain TEQSA accreditation and open a state-of-the-art campus that would attract both domestic and international students. They aimed to ensure that the Australian campus would uphold the same high standards seen at their other global locations. At the same time, they wanted to tailor programs to better meet Australian industry and student needs.
Challenges
Complex Regulatory Environment:
While the group was experienced in global education regulations, navigating TEQSA’s strict framework posed a unique challenge. Specifically, the agency’s requirements for registration and accreditation demanded a detailed understanding of Australian higher education standards.
Adapting Programs to Local Standards:
Additionally, the group’s existing programs required significant modification to align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This included adjusting curricula, assessments, and quality assurance practices to meet TEQSA’s high standards. A key driver of higher education is to ensure that there is a social license between higher education providers and the community. This includes having an inclusive and supportive environment.
Governance and Operational Setup:
Establishing a compliant governance structure was also critical. To meet TEQSA’s guidelines, the group needed to adapt its international governance model to ensure effective local oversight and regulatory compliance. Participants up-skilled by learning about higher education governance through Darlo’s DIY course on higher education governance.
Student Support and Local Market Integration:
Beyond regulatory adjustments, the group also needed to implement student support services that resonated with Australian students’ expectations. This included setting up academic advising, mental health services, and career placement programs tailored to the local context.
Darlo Higher Education’s Approach
To guide the multinational group through the complex process of establishing a compliant campus in Australia, Darlo Higher Education was engaged. Darlo’s approach involved several key steps:
Regulatory Audit and Strategic Planning:
Firstly, Darlo conducted a thorough audit of the group’s existing policies, programs, and governance structures to assess alignment with TEQSA’s requirements. A comprehensive roadmap was then created, detailing the steps for institutional registration and program accreditation to ensure full compliance.
Curriculum Adaptation and Development:
Darlo also collaborated closely with the group’s academic teams to adapt global curricula to AQF standards. This involved modifying learning outcomes, assessments, and course structures to align with local accreditation requirements while maintaining the group’s high educational standards.
Governance and Policy Framework:
To meet TEQSA’s governance requirements, Darlo assisted in setting up an Australian-specific governance structure. This included developing policies on academic integrity, quality assurance, and student welfare. Darlo further guided the creation of an Academic Board and other committees necessary for effective oversight in Australia.
Student Services and Support Systems:
Darlo worked with the group to establish student support systems tailored to the Australian context. This included academic advising, counseling services, and career placement systems, all essential for meeting TEQSA’s expectations for student welfare. Darlo provided training on student centred support services.
Market Entry Strategy:
Darlo provided strategic advice to help the group integrate into the Australian education market. This involved identifying high-demand programs, developing local recruitment strategies, and forming partnerships with Australian industry and educational institutions to enhance graduate employability.
Ongoing Compliance and Quality Assurance:
Lastly, Darlo implemented a continuous quality assurance process to maintain TEQSA compliance. This included regular audits, student feedback mechanisms, and staff training on Australian higher education regulations and best practices.
Outcome
Ultimately, the multinational group successfully obtained TEQSA registration, enabling them to offer accredited programs at their Australian campus. The new campus attracted over 500 students in its first year, quickly building a reputation for high-quality education and state-of-the-art facilities. Within two years, the campus was generating significant revenue and had become a key part of the group’s global operations.
Key Success Factors
Expert Regulatory Guidance:
Darlo’s in-depth understanding of TEQSA’s regulatory framework allowed the group to navigate the complex registration process smoothly, without delays or compliance issues.
Customized Curriculum Adaptation:
Darlo worked closely with the group’s academic teams to ensure that their programs met Australian standards while retaining their global approach, which supported high student satisfaction and strong enrollment growth. A critical factor is that course design and development is overseen by appropriate governance.
Effective Governance and Student Support:
Darlo’s assistance in developing compliant governance structures and robust student support services was crucial to the campus’s success, ensuring both high academic standards and a positive student experience. Learning about Australia’s regulatory expectations about inclusive cultures was also an important requirement.
Successful Market Integration:
Darlo’s insights into the Australian higher education market enabled the group to establish a strong presence, achieving financial viability and rapid growth.
Conclusion
Darlo Higher Education played a pivotal role in the successful establishment of the multinational education group’s Australian campus. Through expert regulatory advice, curriculum development, and strategic support, Darlo ensured full compliance with TEQSA’s standards. Today, the Australian campus is thriving, contributing significantly to the group’s global reputation and success.
