Taking place on 16 September 2025 at Torrens University’s Surry Hills Campus in Sydney (17 Foveaux Street), this event brings together key stakeholders – education agents, government officials, providers across higher education, VET, ELICOS, plus service partners – for a critical industry reset.
Amidst two years of sweeping reform in visa policies, compliance and accountability frameworks, and shifting global student demand, SYMPLED 2025 offers education recruiters a place for dialogue and strategy. Drawing from its reputation as one of Australia’s most practical events for admissions, compliance, and student-support experts, the symposium promises actionable insights and collaboration on the issues at hand
The program features a rich array of speakers, including:
Hon Julian Hill, assistant minister for international education
Michal Sestak, founder and migration agent of SIS Consulting Pty Ltd and AustraliaOnline, moderating a panel on “The Dilemma of the Genuine Student” amid a surge in visa refusal appeals—from 2,400 in 2023 to 40,000 in 2025
International student panel onthe future of international student representative bodies
Ian Aird, CEO of English Australia, in a “Call to Action” panel exploring the role of ELICOS in bridging tourism, working holiday, and long-term education sectors
Additional speakers include leaders from tuition protection, international education bodies, compliance, and provider networks:
Melinda Hatton, director of the Tuition Protection Service
Carmen Basilicata, executive director, Integrity, ASQA
Toshi Kawaguchi, director, international education, StudyNSW
Dirk Mulder, founder and CEO of The Koala News
Mark Lucas, senior vice president, HUATONG International (HTI)
Melanie Macfarlane, board member, ISEAA
SYMPLED 2025 is where the international education community can recalibrate and collaborate, unlocking “value” in recruitment and practice for a more resilient future.
For the full lineup, program updates, and registration, visit the official SYMPLED website.
The UK is at a pivotal moment when it comes to the English language tests it uses to help decide who can enter the country to study, work, invest and innovate.
The government’s new industrial strategy offers a vision for supporting high-value and high-growth sectors. These sectors – from advanced manufacturing and creative industries, to life sciences, clean energy and digital – will fuel the UK’s future growth and productivity. All of them need to attract global talent, and to have a strong talent pipeline, particularly from UK universities.
This summer’s immigration white paper set out plans for new English language requirements across a broader range of immigration routes. It comes as the Home Office intends to introduce a new English language test to provide a secure and robust assessment of the skills of those seeking to study and work in the UK.
In this context, the UK faces a challenge: can we choose to raise standards and security in English tests while removing barriers for innovators?
The answer has to be ‘yes’. To achieve, as the industrial strategy puts it, “the security the country needs… while shaping markets for innovation,” will take vision. That clearly needs government, universities and employers to align security and growth. There are no short-cuts if we are serious about both.
The sectors that will power the industrial strategy – most notably in higher education, research and innovation – are also those most boxed in by competing pressures. These pressures include the imperative to attract world-class talent and the need to show that those they help bring to the country are well-qualified.
But these pressures do not have to box us in. We need not compromise on security or growth. We can achieve both.
Getting English testing right is a critical part of the solution. That means putting quality and integrity first. We should demand world-class security and safeguards – drawing on the most sophisticated combination of human and artificial intelligence. It also means deploying proven innovations – those that have been shown to work in other countries, like Australia and Canada, that have adjusted their immigration requirements while achieving talent-led growth.
Decision-making around English language testing needs to be driven by evidence – especially at a time of flux. And findings from multiple studies tells us that those students who take high-quality and in-depth tests demonstrate greater academic resilience and performance. When it comes to high-stake exams, we should be setting the highest expectations for test-takers so they can thrive in the rapidly changing economy that the country is aspiring to build.
The government and high-growth sectors, including higher education, have an opportunity to grow public confidence, prioritise quality and attain sustainable growth if we get this right.
Decision-making around English language testing needs to be driven by evidence – especially at a time of flux
More than a third of the UK’s fastest-growing startups have at least one immigrant co-founder. Such contributions from overseas talent are indispensable to the country’s future success – and the industrial strategy’s “focus on getting the world’s brightest minds to relocate to the UK” is smart.
At Cambridge, we help deliver IELTS, the world’s most trusted English test. Over the decades, we’ve learned that quality, security and innovation reinforce one another. It’s why we draw on our constantly evolving knowledge of linguistics to make sure our tests assess the real-life language skills people use in actual academic and professional environments.
Technological innovations and human intelligence must be central to the test-taking experience: from content creation to exam supervision to results delivery. Having one without the other would be reckless.
We should deploy the latest data science and AI advances to spot risks, pinpoint potential fraud, and act intelligently to guarantee a system that’s fair for all. IELTS draws on proven AI and data science developments to prevent fraud and improve the information available to institutions like universities, businesses and UKVI.
As the government takes its industrial strategy, immigration reforms and English testing changes forward, it’s vital that departments coordinate on the shared opportunities, and tap into the best evidence available.
This is complex work. It requires a collaborative spirit, creative thinking and deep expertise. Fortunately, the UK has plenty of that.
About the author: Pamela Baxter is managing director, IELTS at Cambridge University Press & Assessment
The globalised education landscape continues to grow. According to ICEF Monitor, the volume of students studying abroad is expected to reach more than 9 million by the year 2030. And for education sectors around the world, international students are a major financial pillar. For example, in the 2021/22 academic year, non-EU students generated almost £9bn in tuition for UK universities.
Pursuing academic goals abroad is an exciting prospect for students. However, the financial intricacies of international tuition payments can quickly turn to stress in the face of unpredictable currency fluctuations, communication hurdles, and complex administrative procedures. Meanwhile, for education institutions there is a fine art to balancing the need for secure and compliant cross-border transactions, with demand from students, their families, and agents for a seamless, user-friendly payments experience.
The risks behind international tuition payments
Handling cross border payments can be a tightrope walk for education institutions. When it comes to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, there’s an expectation that any sort of payment will be digital first, and seamless. However, there are several inherent risks to cross border transactions that finance teams can’t ignore.
Topping the list would be payments fraud and scams. From phishing to fake agents, students are susceptible to schemes that lead to misdirected funds and enrolment issues – a threat that continues to escalate in the age of AI deepfakes.
Currency volatility can surprise students and institutions alike. In the time between a student calculating their fees, and initiating a payment, the whims of the market can increase costs. For the institution, this can equate to payments arriving short, especially if intermediaries have deducted fees along the way.
The challenge of managing international anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations is another consideration. Plus, manual process for reconciliation and other administrative tasks can lead to errors, delays and financial discrepancies. The headaches for students and finance teams are real.
Digital natives want seamless experiences
Today’s international students expect cross-border payments to mirror modern eCommerce platforms. They want to make a payment online, from any device in a their method of choice, from bank transfers to e-wallets.
Fast processing and real-time tracking are critical. For many international students, tuition fees are a major investment, and they want to see their funds are on track to reach their destination on time.
Handling cross border payments can be a tightrope walk for education institutions
Most of all, international payments should look and feel like local transactions. Payment platforms should accommodate diverse backgrounds for clear communication and support multiple currencies so students and their families know exactly how much their payment will cost. Even better if they get real-time rates.
Failure to meet these demands can have real repercussions. Students are an institution’s greatest ambassador, and any negative experience can tarnish reputation and influence enrolment decisions.
Find balance with the right payment provider
Harmony between risk management and user convenience is increasingly critical for education institutions, and the best place to start is by partnering with a payment provider you can trust. Experienced international payments specialists offer robust fraud detection and compliance support, instilling confidence in students and institutions alike.
Platforms that offer clear, up-front information about fees, exchange rates, and payments processes goes a long way towards building trust with students and their families. Combine this with advanced technology that delivers real-time tracking, and integration with financial systems for automated reconciliation, and your institution is well positioned to succeed in the digital age.
To discover how Convera can help you offer a seamless payment experience for your international students, and reduce administrative burden for your teams, please get in touch here.
About the author: Joanne McChrystal, originally from Ireland, is an alumna of Sheffield Hallam University, UK and the University of Economics in Vienna, Austria. With nearly three decades in financial services and a deep expertise in international payments, she has lived and worked across four European countries. Now, as the global head of education at Convera, Joanne drives forward initiatives that support educational institutions and their partners globally. She is fervently committed to facilitating seamless student journeys through innovative technology and robust partnerships.
Aston Education, a Hong Kong-based international education consultancy, has long supported students in securing places at universities in the UK and Australia. However, Hong Kong’s outbound market is changing.
According to the Hong Kong Education Bureau’s data for the 2023/24 academic year, the growth rate of local students studying abroad stands at just 2%, significantly lower than global market averages. Factors behind this include Hong Kong’s stable job market and rising tuition and living costs overseas—both encouraging families to reconsider traditional study-abroad pathways.
At the same time, migration incentives such as the UK’s BNO visa scheme have encouraged significant numbers of Hong Kong residents to settle abroad. This movement has contributed to local talent gaps. To help fill these, the Hong Kong government introduced the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) in late 2022. By September 2024, over 100,000 applications had been received, with more than 95% of successful applicants coming from mainland China. The result is a rapidly changing demographic profile and increasing integration between Hong Kong and the mainland.
These shifts are mirrored in student priorities. Families—particularly those newly settled in Hong Kong from mainland China—are placing greater emphasis on employment outcomes when considering overseas study. Choice of destination, university, and programme is increasingly shaped by how international qualifications align with career trajectories back in Hong Kong or across the region.
Against this backdrop, Aston Education has evolved its strategy. The demand from mainland China, especially the GBA, is growing rapidly. In 2022, around 661,200 Chinese students pursued study abroad, a sharp increase from earlier years. And the GBA continues to emerge as an integrated educational and economic region. Several Hong Kong universities have established campuses in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan, further strengthening cross-border academic links.
For education providers, the GBA presents a unique environment. Language, policy, and cultural familiarity create a landscape where nuanced, locally embedded strategies are vital. With deep roots in Hong Kong and a working understanding of both Cantonese and Mandarin, Aston Education is well positioned to navigate this space. Our approach differs from traditional mainland recruitment: we focus on a culturally blended student population, many of whom see Hong Kong as a stepping stone for international education and regional employment.
This shift is not just geographical—it’s philosophical. Understanding why students choose to study abroad, and what they hope to gain, is key to engaging the next generation. By working closely with institutions in the UK and Australia, we aim to provide tailored recruitment support in markets that are evolving beyond traditional patterns.
As the GBA continues to gain momentum, opportunities abound for international universities ready to think regionally and act locally. Aston Education looks forward to contributing to this conversation—and to building more agile, informed partnerships that reflect the changing realities of the Asian education landscape.
About the author:
Boyi Huang is the managing director of Aston Education with over 15 years of experience in international education planning. She holds a postgraduate diploma in international education from the University of Bath She has guided students to top universities across the UK (Oxbridge and G5), the US (Ivy League & Top 20), and Australia (Go8). With strong experience in cross-border admissions and institutional partnerships, Boyi specialises in helping students from Greater China and Southeast Asia access world-class higher education through personalised strategies.
As a bilingual territory, Quebec offers students the chance to learn both English and French, which can be daunting for some. However, this bilingualism also provides a distinctive advantage in the global education market. This article explores how institutions like the Lester B. Pearson School Board are adapting to these changes and highlights key strategies for success.
Challenges and opportunities in Quebec
Quebec’s bilingual nature often makes it a secondary choice for international students who may prefer English-only environments. However, the opportunity to learn both languages can be a significant draw for students seeking to enhance their global competencies. Over the past two years, the field of international education has undergone significant changes, requiring institutions to adapt swiftly. Here are some of the changes:
New IRCC requirements since July 2023:
Revised funds requirement for study permit applicants, increasing the financial threshold to ensure students are adequately prepared for the cost of living in Canada.
End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), affecting the expedited processing of study permits for certain countries.
Revision of programs eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP), limiting eligibility to specific fields of study and designated learning institutions.
Introduction of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), requiring students to obtain a PAL as part of their study permit application.
Adapting to new requirements: a strategic advantage
The introduction of PALs and the revised financial requirements had a minimal impact on the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) due to Quebec’s existing Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) process. The CAQ process already required higher financial proof than the new federal standards, positioning LBPSB at an advantage. This continuity ensured that our processes and requirements remained stable, providing a smoother transition for international students.
Shifting the message: beyond PGWP
Previously, programs eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) were a major selling point, maintaining healthy student intake levels with minimal marketing effort. However, the focus has now shifted. The message is no longer solely about the PGWP; it is about acquiring a skillset that can be exercised globally. Montreal, an amazing student city, continues to be a prime study destination due to its quality of education, accessibility to higher education, cost of living, quality of life, and availability of a wide range of outdoor activities and hobbies. Montreal was always part of our marketing plan, but now it has become the marketing plan.
Maintaining stability and messaging
In the face of these changes, it is crucial to keep our messaging and name intact. As a public institution, the Lester B. Pearson School Board emphasizes stability and a long-term commitment to international education. Quebec offers an exceptional option for students to benefit from its established quality education system. Students study in state-of-the-art facilities, interact with local students, and immerse themselves in a new culture. This experience is not only about receiving a quality education but also about personal growth. The education and personal development gained here are invaluable and transferable anywhere in the world.
Addressing the housing crisis
While the housing crisis in Quebec is not as severe as in other parts of Canada, it remains a concern. The lack of housing has been cited as a key reason for limiting the number of international students in Canada, yet this approach overlooks a crucial fact: many international students, especially those in vocational programs like Lester B. Pearson’s, are essential to addressing the very housing shortage they’re being blamed for. These students are training to become carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled tradespeople—professions desperately needed to build more homes across the country.
To ensure accessibility to safe, secure, and affordable housing for international vocational students, the Lester B. Pearson School Board has partnered with 4Stay to offer a dormitory experience on campus for adult vocational students. This is a one-of-a-kind offering in Canada, with students enjoying turn-key housing, meal plans, and student life programming to ease their transition to life in Montreal.
About 4Stay
4Stay was founded by international students who experienced firsthand the challenges of finding student housing when they arrived in the United States for their education. Launched in 2016, 4Stay is driven by the mission to create a world where everyone has a “home away from home.” The company connects students and interns with local hosts, room providers, and roommates near their destinations, offering both short-term and long-term housing solutions.
4Stay works with educators and administrators to craft bespoke housing programs, tailored to the institution’s unique needs. Recognizing that every institution has their own set of unique interests, challenges, and strategic priorities, 4stay has a suite of services and strategies to source student housing options and manage them.
By providing affordable homes, 4Stay helps students find a supportive community that eases their transition to life in a foreign country. The company’s vision and values resonate deeply with the Lester B. Pearson School Board, making it an ideal partner to manage our student residence and enhance the student experience.
Building a supportive community
The partnership between LBPSB and 4Stay allows students to access residence options either as a short-term landing pad (up to three months) or as a long-term accommodation solution throughout their entire program. This initiative helps build a community of students who can support each other through the challenges of settling in a new country. By offering these housing solutions, the Lester B. Pearson School Board ensures that international students have a safe and welcoming environment, contributing to their overall success and well-being.
Conclusion
Adapting to the ever-changing world of international education requires innovative strategies and a commitment to providing comprehensive support for students. By leveraging Quebec’s bilingual advantage, shifting the focus of marketing messages, and addressing housing needs through partnerships like 4Stay, public institutions in Quebec can continue to thrive in the global education market. These efforts not only attract international students but also ensure they have the resources and community support needed to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors.
About the author:
Martine St-Pierre, MBA, is the director of international programs at the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB). With over two decades of experience in education, she oversees the recruitment and support of international students, ensuring they receive high-quality education and a welcoming environment. Her strategic vision and expertise have positioned LBPSB as a top choice for students worldwide.
Technology is evolving faster than ever. AI is reshaping entire industries, cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated by the day, and software engineering is no longer just about coding – it’s about solving real-world problems through innovation.
That’s why IT education must go beyond code and empower students to create real-world solutions that drive change.
For too long, many universities have relied on large lecture halls, theoretical coursework, and outdated curricula that struggle to keep pace with technological developments and industry needs. Meanwhile, employers are looking for graduates who think critically, adapt quickly, work hands-on and integrate the latest technology into reshaped businesses.
The Rise of hands-on IT education: active learning on real-world challenges with expert mentorship
Gen Z grew up with digital technology. They don’t just want to hear about AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering in a lecture – they want to learn actively, create, test, and innovate with it. The most forward-thinking IT programs today focus on:
Active learning and mentorship: Personalised learning in small classes, direct interaction with industry professionals, and collaborative problem-solving are replacing traditional, passive learning models.
Industry partnerships: Universities that integrate real-world projects, internships, and company partnerships help students gain experience that translates directly into job opportunities.
Agile learning environments: Rapid technological change requires adaptable curricula that evolve alongside industry advancements, rather than relying on fixed, multi-year course structures.
Innovation hubs and labs: The best IT programs provide students with access to the newest technologies, collaborative spaces, and the freedom to experiment, fail, and innovate.
The innovation imperative in IT education
Innovation isn’t just about new technology – it’s about curiosity and social networks. The world’s biggest breakthroughs come from those who know how to challenge the status quo, think creatively, leverage insights from other disciplines and turn own ideas into reality. Yet, many traditional IT programs still focus on passive learning, where students memorize theories instead of actively tackling and solving problems.
Gen Z grew up with digital technology. They don’t just want to hear about AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering in a lecture – they want to learn actively, create, test, and innovate with it
Tomorrow’s tech leaders need more than just knowledge – they need environments where they can experiment, fail, and iterate. That’s why forward-thinking universities are integrating IT meetups, startup incubators, and transdisciplinary collaboration into their ecosystem. Students don’t just work on assignments; they tackle real-world challenges alongside industry mentors.
These shifts are essential. The coming generation of IT professionals won’t just apply technology; they’ll redefine it.
The future of IT education: where innovation meets industry
The next wave of IT education also needs to prepare students to lead in a constantly changing field. This means more interdisciplinary programs where AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering overlap. It means moving beyond tests and grades to portfolios of real-world projects. By partnering with industry leaders, educational institutions ensure a relevant curriculum, aligned with real-world needs.
Universities that embrace this hands-on, innovation-driven approach will lead the way and shape the next generation of digital leaders.
A new kind of IT university
At the Munich University of Digital Technologies (MUDT), we are building an institution that embodies this future – where small classes, hands-on industry projects, and innovation-driven learning come together to create an unparalleled educational experience. Our students won’t just graduate with a degree; they’ll graduate with experience, connections, and the ability to turn ideas into impact.
The next era of IT education is here. The question is: Are you ready for it?
About the author: Univ. Prof. Prof.h.c. Dipl.-Ing. Dietmar Wiegand is the Rector of the Munich University of Digital Technologies (MUDT), where he leads the university’s strategic initiatives in advancing digital education. With extensive experience in engineering and management of IT projects, Prof. Wiegand has a strong academic and professional background, having led numerous research and development projects and academic initiatives. His expertise in fostering innovation and sustainability is central to MUDT’s mission to prepare the next generation of digital leaders in an evolving technological landscape.
The history of Manchester Met can be traced back to 1824 with the founding of the Manchester Mechanics Institution, established through private initiative and funds to teach artisans the basic principles of science by part-time study.
Now, one of the most popular universities in the UK, Manchester Met has over 43,000 students and continues the legacy embedded in its proud history of transforming lives through the power of education and research.
To mark the momentous milestone, the university had a year packed full of activities, which also served to highlight its areas of strengths:
Driving Economic Growth: Advancing skills, knowledge, and digital technology to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth and innovation, shaped by industry
Transforming Health: Enabling people to start well, live well and age well with innovative research and transformative healthcare
Championing Creative Excellence: Harnessing imagination to drive creativity, bringing architecture, art, design, fashion, media, and performance together
Leading Sustainability: Driving innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future through advances in science and engineering, practice, and policy
Tackling Inequalities: Building cohesive communities and helping shape a more caring, just, and inclusive society: locally, nationally, and globally.
Malcolm Press, vice-chancellor of Manchester Met commented: “By delivering on our areas of strength we continue to build a better future for all. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Manchester Met has been a real highlight for me, especially in a year when we have achieved so much.
By delivering on our areas of strength we continue to build a better future for all. Malcolm Press, Manchester Met
“We have continued to grow our research activity. In 2024, the University secured several large funding grants – marking a significant milestone in research grants and awards at the university. This is an indication of the quality and calibre of our research offer,” he said.
“The university also celebrated achieving TEF Gold and an amazing set of results in the National Student Survey with improvements placing Manchester Met above sector for every theme. These results highlight the university’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a positive and enriching student experience.
“2024 has been a year of progress, change and transformation. Education has a transformational effect on individuals and society. It is the key to growth, and the teaching, skills, and innovation that we provide will continue to deliver not just for the city of Manchester but to the whole country and internationally.”
A major part of this transformational year is the continued investment in campus. One of the many highlights of 2024 was the opening of Dalton building, home to the faculty of Science and Engineering and the most ambitious development project in the University’s history.
The £115m development is set to be a global hub for innovation, research, and industry collaboration. Dalton positions the university as a leader in science and technology education. Its innovative laboratories, research hubs, and active learning environments, provide a vital space for delivering excellent education and research with impact.
The opening of Dalton marked the culmination of a £400 million transformation of the campus over the last ten years. This has seen the opening of flagship buildings including the iconic School of Digital Arts (SODA) – a £35m investment to develop digital skills and drive innovation across all forms of creative content and the Institute of Sport – a world class facility championing everything that sport can do.
Manchester Met’s School of Digital Arts (SODA) Photo: Manchester Met
Historic buildings on campus have also been restored. The Ormond Building, built in 1881 is home to the University’s administrative hub and the Grade 2 Grosvenor West building in the School of Art received a £10 million upgrade.
The transformation of the campus is aligned to the university’s sustainability goals, one of which is becoming a carbon free campus and supporting the city of Manchester to become carbon neutral by 2038. The university is serious about sustainability and is proud to be in the top 5 universities in the People and Planet league for more than a decade.
Green spaces feature across campus, providing tranquility in the bustle of city life. The re-opening of All Saints Park has boosted biodiversity through the planting of new trees and wildflowers with wider improvement works contributing to creating a walkable, inclusive, and easy to navigate campus that encourages active travel through cycling, running, or walking.
The state-of-the-art facilities on campus are the enablers of excellent education, research with impact and make Manchester Met a great place to be for all students. For those students pursuing a vocational route, Manchester Met is a leading provider of degree apprenticeships and since 2019, more than 2,500 apprentices have graduated from the university. Manchester Met highlighted the significant impact of degree apprenticeships for individuals, employers, and the wider economy through the publication of its Force for Impact report 2024.
2024 set the bar high and there is no doubt that 2025 will see the University continue to go from strength to strength. True to its progressive nature, the transformation is set to continue with plans for a new library given the green light. The visionary building will provide a modern and dynamic learning environment that places students and their learning at its core.
This is a central part of the university’s strategy to deliver excellent education for its students, and research that delivers impact to the community and world.
