There are a number of reviews of higher education occurring in 2008 nationally and in Victoria.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Geographical Differences in the Rate in which Victorian Students Participate in Higher Education

The Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Inquiry into Geographical Differences in the Rate in which Victorian Students Participate in Higher Education include identification of any significant economic, geographic, cultural, social, or institutional barriers that may preclude regional students in Victoria from entering into higher education. The potential advantages and disadvantages of pursuing higher education and/or vocational education and training (VET) are also a key focus of the Inquiry.

Skills Victoria coordinated a Whole of Victorian Government submission to the Inquiry.

Skills Victoria Submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Geographical Differences in the Rate in which Victorian Students Participate in Higher Education (PDF 408.3 kb) Skills Victoria submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry including identification of any significant economic, geographic, cultural, social, or institutional barriers that may preclude regional students in Victoria from entering into higher education.

The findings and recommendations of the Inquiry will assist the Victorian Government to deliver on its policy commitment to improving the participation rates in higher education in rural and regional Victoria.

Need more information? 

Further information, including dates for public hearings and other submissions can be found on the 'Parliament of Victoria Education and Training Committee' website.

Australian Review of Higher Education

The Australian Review of Australian Higher Education will be the first major review of higher education to be undertaken since 2002.

The purpose of the Review is to report to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, on the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy and the options for ongoing reform.

It will inform the preparation of the Australian Government's policy agenda for higher education through 2009 and 2010. It will also help to develop a long-term vision for higher education into the next decade and beyond.

The review will first provide a report on priority action and then a final report will be released by the end of this year.

Skills Victoria coordinated the Victorian submission:

Submission to the Commonwealth Review of Higher Education (PDF 705kb) The Victorian Government submission to the Australian review of higher education.

Need more information? 

Further information on the Australian Review of Higher Education can be found on the Australian Government 'Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations' website.