The result of close collaboration between Government and the higher education sector, the new plan will make it easier for students to get the information they need as they weigh up different study options.
“Choosing where and what to study at university can be one of the most important decisions of a person’s life,” said Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson.
“Changes announced today will make it easier for students to compare entry requirements for similar university courses and understand more clearly what they need in order to be offered a place.”
“Over the past decade, the number of pathways into university has broadened to reflect the diversity of student demand and where they are in their career cycle. Fewer than half of all commencing university students are school leavers.”
Universities Australia participated on the Implementation Working Group for the new arrangements, chaired by Victoria University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Kerri-Lee Krause.
Much of the implementation plan reflects positions advocated by UA in its submission to the Higher Education Standards Panel, including the need for a common set of terms and comparable information, realistic timeframes for implementation, and content requirements for information sets.
The new benchmarks for universities when publishing their entry requirements includes:
- the adoption of common admissions terminology and definitions;
- redefining ATAR thresholds;
- a common sector-wide approach to the publication of information admission policies;
- a streamlined approach by tertiary admission centres across states and territories; and
- a new national admissions information platform.
“We tip our hats to all those involved in the process – Government, student groups and provider representatives – for the constructive approach to the development of the plan. It serves as a good model for future initiatives.”
The plan will be fully implemented by 2019.
