The Association of Australian Representatives in India AAERI (pronounced as eh`-ree) is an independent organization that ensures the credibility of education agents who are recruiting Indian students on behalf of Australian education and training institutions. It was formed in October 1996 and was established by Australian Education International (AEI), the international arm of Australia’s education department. It has over 160 members across India.
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History
AAERI is an independent organization under the Societies Registration Act of India, which was formed in 1996. Ms. Banu Sidharth, Education Promotion Officer at AEI under guidance of Counsellor (Education and Training), Mr. Tom Calma were then actively involved in the formation of the agent association. All prospective students can approach the AAERI and utilize the services of the organization in counseling and information support.
Code of Ethical Practices
AAERI members agree to abide by a Code of Ethical Practices (COEP) which stipulates that they must provide services to students in a manner which reflects the established practices of Australian education and training institutions and which safeguards the interests of prospective students on the other. AAERI's Code of Ethics is based on the Australian Government’s Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) which makes Australian education institutions accountable for the activities of their overseas agents.
AAERI’s international linkages
A. The Australian High Commission
The Australian High Commission does not authorize any agents but supports an agents’ association AAERI (the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India). AAERI members have to abide by code of ethical practices which requires that they provide services to prospective students in a manner which reflects the established practices of the Australian education and training sector on the one hand and safeguards the genuine interest of prospective students on the other.
B. Lists of Australian Institutes affiliated with AAERI
AAERI works with all Australian universities, TAFE and registered private education providers.
Legislation by Australian government
The Minister for Education, the Hon Julia Gillard, introduced on 19 August 2009 the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Re-registration of Providers and Other Measures) Bill 2009 – an amendment to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 which details the following:
Re-registration of all institutions currently registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) by 31 December 2010.
a. Two new registration requirements for education providers: The principal purpose of the provider is to provide education; and the provider has demonstrated capacity to provide education of a satisfactory standard.
b. Providers to be required to list the names of education agents who represent them and promote their education services and to require providers to comply with any matters prescribed in the regulations concerning their agents.
c. Discretionary removal of the prohibition on education providers collecting monies from studying students when a course has been suspended.
d. Conditions imposed by states and territories on education providers to be recognized by the Commonwealth.
e. Exemptions from punitive provider default refund requirements for providers changing their legal entity.
The amendments are the first in a series of measures the Government is taking.
Further complementary initiatives to enhance Australia’s ability to deliver quality education services to overseas students will include the review of the ESOS Act by the Hon Bruce Baird and the development of the National International Student Strategy under the Council of Australian Governments.
AAERI’s initiatives
AAERI has been working towards reinforcing Australia’s standing as a high quality education destination for all genuine students and is strongly lobbying with the government bodies in India & Australia to ensure that Australia remains a high quality education destination. In September 2009 AAERI announced its ‘8-point action’ plan, a testament of its continued efforts:
8 POINT ACTION PLAN
In light of the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia, Association of Australian Education Representatives in India (AAERI) has developed the following ‘8 point Action Plan’, to ensure a conducive environment for Indian students planning to study in Australia:
1. Working closely with Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australia Education International and Australian High Commissioner on modules which will serve as guiding principles for Indian students planning to study in Australia.
2. Feeding intelligence on fraudulent practices of agents to the Australian Government bodies.
3. Strongly advocating for interviews of students opting for Vocational courses and having stringent checks for eVisa lodgment
4. Working closely with Indian community in Australia to understand the on ground situation and their concerns.
5. Strengthening AAERI’s disciplinary committee and working closely with authorities in India and Australia to act on substantiated complaints from students immediately.
6. Conducting visa training workshops for AAERI members across India. These workshops will be held in conjunction with DIAC to enable agents to help students during the entire visa processing stage.
7. Undertaking regular exhaustive audits of AAERI ‘Code of Ethics’ followed by all 160 members and keep improving ‘Entry Norms’ for new members
8.Encouraging AAERI members to assume greater responsibility in case of conflict of interest between the student and the education provider.