Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham today welcomed the announcement by Australian National University (ANU) that it is introducing a new integrated, national admissions system.
“ANU warrants its status as Australia’s national university with this commitment to welcome, educate and accommodate the best and brightest Australians, regardless of their background,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It’s only fitting that our national university should reach out to talented students at every school across the nation, with the embedding of accommodation support into the admissions process of particular benefit to the many students who relocate to Canberra to study at ANU.
“The transition to university is an exciting but daunting time. For students looking to apply to study at ANU in 2020, the new model will streamline admissions, scholarships and accommodation processes, turning what can be a stressful process into a simple, welcoming, transparent one.
“ANU is leading the way in maintaining high academic standards, including by making maths and English prerequisites for admissions. This step is in keeping with advice from experts like the Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, and I call upon all Australian universities to reintroduce clear pre-requisites as part of their admissions processes.
“These reforms will also recognise the benefits of a student’s contribution to family, school and community, while maintaining high level, minimum ATAR standards. This is recognition that ANU values academically strong, community minded students—it’s these kinds of well-rounded students that go on to succeed after graduation.
Minister Birmingham said the Turnbull Government had been working closely with the higher education sector to improve admissions transparency and implement the recommendations delivered by the Higher Education Standards Panel in 2016.
“Having access to clear, consistent and transparent admissions information will help students make the best possible choice about the course they want to study and the institution they want to deliver that course,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The changes being introduced by ANU are a win for students and their families, but they also benefit ANU and boost its reputation as Australia’s national and world leading university.”