<<Somehow it does not seem right that we poach skilled workers from countries that need them themselves.>>

We have been ‘poaching’ doctors and skilled workers for years from the UK, even when there was a shortfall in that country. We don’t need to ‘poach’ people, those that choose to stay do so usually not because of any incentives given on our part.

<<I have heard about 'mickey mouse' courses being offered purely so the students qualify for permanent residentcy, would you comment on this. Also what you think about an inquiry.>>

I cannot comment on ‘mickey mouse’ courses as I am unfamiliar with them and have never encountered them. They may exist, I really don’t know.

As for a parliamentary inquiry, I think that most of them are a complete waste of time. Might I ask exactly what this inquiry might cover?

<<Yes, I am ignorant of many matters relating to higher education and took no interest until the main stream media brought it to attention. Its a bit like not being concerned about the school bus unless you have kids that use it>>

You are not alone.

We should be very worried at the prospect that many of our foreign students may go to overseas campuses.

With the introduction of HECS by Keating/Hawke and it's further expansion by Howard, those full-fee paying students are effectively subsidising our own local students.

Unless more money is put back into higher education, without the full-fee payers, we would be paying full fees (and more) just to cover costs.

Also, a huge part of the so-called surplus was actually made up of HECS debt. This debt will be repaid over a long period (and in some cases, not at all) so it's not really "cash in the bank" because it can't be spent until it's actually paid in. That's why we are borrowing against it now.

At least the foreigners are paying their way in full as they go and making a contribution to our economy.

The real problem isn't training people from overseas, it's our own trained people going overseas and taking their skills (and debt) with them.

As well as the prospect of earning more money, under the current education system, they have no moral obligation to stay here.

Are you sure that the money we take from foreign students are used to extend the campuses, the laboratories, the number and quality of the personel of Australian Universities?
If while we bring more and more foreign students we do not extend our Universities in the same degree in which we increase the number of students of cause the foreign students, then we have a HUGE PROBLEM, THEN THE QUALITY OF THE STUDIES LOWER, THEN WE DAMAGE THE INTERESTS FROM OUR STUDENTS!
Who tell you that foreign student's money do not used with a stupid way, as usualy, who tell you that we do not have some GOLDEN BOYS in Universities? Who tell you that the monay are not wasted in luxures activities and trips, ignoring the basic needs of our students?
We trusted the corporations and they destroy our environment, we trusted the banks and they destroy our financial system, I do not know but the probability for huge problems in our universities of cause the big number of foreign students is very high, I guest we have HUGE PROBLEMS IN OUR UNIVERSITIES!
If governments, mass media or businesses do not speak about it is an other story, DO NOT YOU KNOW THAT ALWAYS THEY SPEAK LAST, WHEN THEY HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE?
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

CJ, you embarrass and belittle yourself with your attitude.
You believe in Statistics, fair enough, that’s your prerogative, others believe in leprechauns, or Yetis, flying saucers etc, so you’re not alone.
Given that fact however, I won’t waste any further time on this subject with you, and accusations such as you make are the last refuge of the arrogant, disagreeing with you makes me ignorant? Hubris indeed!

I suspect from the little I have heard that some courses are no more
than routes to residency.
One Indian student said on the TV that the students do not report
robberies and assault to the police because if the accused says that
the student started the trouble it might affect their PR.
PR = Permanent Residency status.

It is hard to believe that it is not being abused.
Generally any loop hole will be exploited very quickly.

Maximillion: << ...disagreeing with you makes me ignorant? >>

Disagreeing with me doesn't make you ignorant - but making incorrect assertions about a topic in which you obviously lack knowledge does. Refusing to acknowledge your ignorance just makes you look stupid, which is not the same thing.

I don't suppose you've bothered to try and locate the information you claim to want?