In this episode of the Koala News Global Horizons podcast, Dirk Mulder and Rob Malicki unpack another big week in international education.

They discuss the ongoing uncertainty around student visas, why inconsistent decision-making is creating real problems for providers, and what that could mean for institutions in the months ahead. They also touch on the Queensland Exporters Conference, some of the latest thinking around AI and productivity, new moves in student accommodation accreditation, and the value of initiatives like the upcoming Study Melbourne International Student Careers Fair.

They’re then joined by Ian Pratt from Lexis English, who brings a grounded, direct perspective from the front line of the sector. Ian talks about what the past five years have looked like for English language and vocational education providers, the commercial and human impact of policy instability, and why some of the biggest consequences of recent changes may not show up in the data for years. He also reflects on regional delivery, student demand, and why investment decisions are increasingly being pushed offshore.

Highlights include:

• why visa subjectivity is becoming such a major issue for providers

• what universities may need to prepare for if current patterns continue

• key takeaways from the Queensland Exporters Conference

• a new national approach to student accommodation quality

• Ian Pratt’s take on what recent policy settings are doing to ELICOS, VET and regional Australia

We are incredibly proud to be the ⁠⁠⁠OFFICIAL podcast of the AIEC Australian International Education Conference. This is the conference's 40th anniversary and is being held in Sydney, so it's going to be bigger and more impactful than ever... and AIEC not to be missed!

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia’s unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email podcast@globalsociety.com.au