International News - Around the World in Higher Education and Research, by News Tank Academic - n°19

Australia’s new tertiary education authority gains parliamentary approval; a financial scandal hits South Africa’s education authority, triggering a criminal investigation; Japan reaches its internationalisation target eight years ahead of schedule.

Welcome to the new edition of News Tank Academic's roundup of international news. Every week, we bring you a selection of some of the most important developments in higher education from around the world.

Headline news

Australia’s new tertiary education authority approved by Parliament

Australia has passed legislation to formally establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), a key reform following the Universities Accord. Previously operating on an interim basis, the ATEC will now act as an independent body overseeing higher education reform. Its role includes allocating funding under a “managed growth” system, setting national standards, and reporting annually on the sector.

Education Minister Jason Clare described the move as a major long-term reform, aiming to expand and reshape the system while improving access…