| International enrolments from more than 140 countries made up 24.9 per cent of the UQ student population in 2015, providing enhanced learning and cultural experiences for all UQ students and the broader community. International enrolments generated $342.1 million in income for the University, including $197.7 million from undergraduate students, $96.7 million from postgraduate students, $10.2 million from non-award students, $14.3 million from Research Higher Degree students, and $23.1 million from the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education.
UQ is a university of choice for international students, being one of only three Australian universities in the top 100 of the four most influential global rankings (Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings).
In 2015, the practices of international education agents recruiting for Australian institutions were the subject of two reports. One was a Four Corners television program airing allegations of fraudulent practices in four large Chinese student recruitment agencies. In April 2015, the NSW Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) released a report entitled Learning the Hard Way: Managing Corruption Risks Associated with International Students at Universities (attached). This report focused upon several universities in New South Wales. A number of potential risks in international student recruitment and retention were outlined in the ICAC report. The report identified 12 corruption prevention initiatives that NSW universities should consider adapting and adopting as appropriate to their organisations.
In August 2015, in response to allegations made by the two bodies, the University of Queensland took the decision to map its existing international student recruitment activities against the 12 corruption prevention initiatives.
The audit scope will largely comprise an assessment of the effectiveness of UQ’s international student recruitment activities against the ICAC criteria but will include any other areas of risk relating to international student recruitment activities that may become apparent during the course of the audit.
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