Higher education officials are investigating a new student-loans system that, it is hoped, will strengthen Australia’s international education industry. Bruce Chapman, architect of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme for domestic students, is examining whether similar income-contingent loans could be used to finance international students’ education. The three-year study, funded by a A$400,000 (£270,678) Australian Research Council grant, is also looking at loans for student income support and extra financial help for Australians studying abroad, The Australian reported. Professor Chapman, based at Australian National University, said many overseas students currently had to raise about A$20,000 a year for fees.
Source: Times Higher Education http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418803&c=1