A consultation paper seeking feedback on new requirements for universities to have policies to better support students at risk of failing their courses is now open for submissions.
On 19 July 2023, the Hon Jason Clare, Minister for Education released the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report and announced five priority areas for immediate action.
Priority Action 2 is the removal of the pass rate requirements currently in place that require students to pass 50 per cent of the units of study in their course to maintain access to Commonwealth assistance.
On 3 August 2023, the Government introduced the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023 (Amendment Bill) into the Australian Parliament to abolish the rule.
The new requirements will ensure that students at risk of failing their courses are identified, and students, particularly equity students, are properly supported to study successfully. Minister Clare says that the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report makes it clear that more jobs will require a university qualification in the future.
“That means we need more Australians going to university, not less. We should be helping students to succeed – not forcing them to quit,” Minister Clare said.
“That’s what the support for students policy is all about and I encourage universities, students and other interested groups to provide their feedback.”
Stakeholders are invited to consider the Government’s proposed policy approach to the Guidelines, as set out in the Support for students policy consultation paper, and to identify any practical issues associated with implementation. Written submissions sharing your views can be provided on the Department of Education website. Submissions close on 15 September 2023, 11:59pm (AEST).