| Inquiry into international students’ mistreatment welcomed |
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The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) supports the move by the National Union of Students requesting the Federal government to establish an official inquiry into the mistreatment of international students by opportunistic educational providers. Over the past year, AFIS has witnessed, received and addressed the concerns and needs of a growing number of international students unable to afford basic living necessities – some facing homelessness, and still others unable to even afford daily meals. This growth in the number of cases is a dire cause for alarm. Through wider consultation, AFIS has also collected anecdotal evidence that international students in some colleges are being sold education under the industry’s standards at high fees, and offered poor to non-existent student support services. This situation is not localised to any particular Australian state, and has since developed into a crisis that threatens Australia's international standing as a study destination of choice. It is prudent for the Federal government to make it a priority to establish a collaborative, coordinated approach involving the education sector, student bodies and government bodies, to develop an appropriate response and protect this crucial industry. Interested parties and organisations are welcome to contact AFIS for more information. Media contact:
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