"Seeking the World's Students". (August 26, 2008)

In the International Herald Tribune Allan E. Goodman, New York President and chief executive of the Institute of International Education writes an opinion piece which highlights the increasing competition for tertiary and post tertiary students. Once again the the matter of dependence by Australian universities on fees derived from overseas students to overcome serious shortfalls in income from domestic sources is thrown into focus as is the matter of how the nation is to overcome its increasing need for creative talent and outstanding academics.

Over the next decade, the number of students studying abroad is predicted to grow from 2.7 million to perhaps 10 million.

There is a lot of competition for students interested in studying abroad. China, Japan and South Korea have announced plans to dramatically increase international enrollment. Australian universities, which have enjoyed rapid increases in overseas students over the past decade, still want more. Britain and Canada are easing restrictions on foreign students who wish to stay in the host country after graduation...

Let's not forget the Middle East... Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Saudi Arabia are building universities or partnering with existing ones from America, Singapore and Europe - and they will also welcome students from abroad... the plans are ambitious for creating new hubs for international education in the region.

The U.S... host[s] more than double the number of students hosted by any other nation. But with its market share declining, it is stepping up recruitment efforts and resolving its visa logjams.

With the possibility of the US executive branch being returned to an intelligent and comprehending administration, the competition for the world's most creative individuals is only going to increase further.

The outcomes for Australia that will be implemented following the plethora of reviews of education and innovation instituted by Kevin Rudd's government can have far reaching effects on the well being of Australian's for generations beyond, X, Y, Z...