Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement does of course build upon the agreements we have in place now with China, with Korea and with Japan, as well as prior FTAs—all of which improve market access for Australian businesses across a suite of products, including international education.

Not only is there extra access for universities and vocational institutions specifically, but teachers, academics and other staff directly benefit from these agreements as well. Under the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, universities and vocational education providers will be able to transfer faculty and other staff to offshore campuses for extended periods. Independent Australian education professionals who are seeking contracts to work at overseas institutions will have guaranteed access with streamlined visa arrangements and longer periods of stay, including in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Mexico. It is a win not just for the institutions but for the academics and educators working within them as well.