Who we are
Australian Education International (AEI) is the international arm of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

With around 370 000 students from 190 countries studying in Australia – and another 120 000 enrolments in Australian courses offshore – we have plenty to do to support the industry. 

What we do
AEI works with industry and governments to support the international education industry, which is Australia’s third-largest export earner, bringing in nearly $12 billion a year.

But maybe even more importantly, what we do helps people and institutions around the world create long-term personal, cultural and intellectual relationships whose benefits reach well beyond bottom lines, business meetings and technology-based transactions.

In Canberra and through a network of 26 offices around the world, this is what we do:

• Policy development and advice
  With links to all education industry sectors and all levels of government, we provide a national focus for debate and policy development.
  
  
• International representation
  We are Australia’s voice on the international education stage, in bodies like UNESCO and APEC, and in negotiating memoranda of understanding and free trade agreements.
  
  
• Quality assurance and consumer protection
  We help safeguard the quality and reputation of Australia’s courses, teachers and institutions. We administer the world’s best practice in student consumer protection.
  
  
• Qualifications recognition
  We advise on how Australian and overseas qualifications compare to help overseas qualified people study and work in Australia.
  
  
• Market analysis and support
  We do the research and analysis to give industry intelligence and advice on education markets around the world.
  
  
• Communication and promotion
  We make sure the world knows about the quality and diversity of Australian education.
  
  
• Student mobility
  We facilitate student mobility through awards for study, research or professional development.
  

As part of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, AEI has a unique advantage. No other country integrates three critical components – government to government relations, national quality systems and export marketing support for industry – as Australia does for international education through AEI.