Australia is considering new plans to boost the number of people with university or trade qualifications. This includes the idea of setting up an A$10 billion ($6.6 billion) fund for building educational facilities.
A group set up by the government, with Macquarie Group Ltd. CEO Shemara Wikramanayake among its members, has put forward a goal to increase the share of working-age Australians with higher education, like degrees or vocational diplomas, to at least 80% by 2050, up from the current 60%.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of preparing for future job markets by equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge.
One of the 47 suggested changes includes establishing a Higher Education Future Fund to enhance infrastructure and provide student accommodation. This fund would gather money from both universities and the government, aiming to reach A$10 billion in assets.
These efforts are meant to bolster a higher education sector that saw over 450,000 international students in 2022, making it Australia’s fourth-biggest export industry.
The government, led by Albanese, will review these recommendations, as stated by Education Minister Jason Clare.
Source: news.yahoo.com