Comparison of Higher Education Policies in England and Australia

The essay examines the similarities and differences between the higher education policies in England and Australia. While both countries have distinct approaches to funding and regulating their education sectors, they share common goals of enhancing educational quality and accessibility. The analysis highlights how each country's policy measures impact students, particularly international ones, and provides recommendations for improvements.

Autumn 17
English for Academic Purposes 1 (EAP 1) Portfolio (EAPA3004)
Name:
Student Number:
Tutor name:
This is your EAP 1 Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly (e.g. by saving it on
your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive a printed copy which
you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you need to submit a
completed electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio.
Assessed Learning Outcomes (LOs):
1. Produce cohesive and coherent elements of academic writing.
2. Read, compare and summarise written academic texts.
Week Contents Page Learning
Outcome
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence

(These tasks will often be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written task in section 2.
Suggested word counts are included are in brackets.)
1 Portfolio evidence I: Self-evaluation checklist 3 LO 1 & 2
4 Portfolio evidence II: Summarising
(recommended word count: 100)
4 LO 1 & 2
4-5 Portfolio evidence III: Outline
(recommended word count: 100)
6 LO 2
6 Portfolio evidence IV: Paragraph structure
(recommended word count: 250)
7 LO 2
9 Portfolio evidence V: Self-assessment
(recommended word count: at least 100)
8 LO 1 & 2
Section 2: Written Task
(The written task should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 7-10.)
1 - 10 Academic writing [compare and contrast essay relevant to higher
education]
(word count: 750 words)
10 LO 1 & 2
Total word count: Written Task (750 words) + Evidence (Approx. 850 words)
(+/- 10%)
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence I
Self-evaluation checklist
Below is a list of the skills you will need when working on extended pieces of writing during your
university career. The work you do on the EAP 1 course will help you develop these skills.
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Tick the appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you think you can do this
at the beginning of this course. Look again at the checklist throughout the course in order
to identify areas for independent study.
Skills Do not know
about this
Find this
difficult/ can’t
do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Personal study
Work independently ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Manage my time ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Oral presentation
Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence II
Summarising (recommended word count: 100)
1. Find a text on university fees in the country of your choice (around 200 words) and paste it below, in part
1. Then, read the two texts and highlight the main points.
PART 1:
Text 1:
University fees in England
Text 2 (paste your text below):
University fees in Australia
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“University tuition fees in England will rise to £9,250 per
year from 2017 and the increase could apply to students
who have already started courses. The inflation-linked
rise represents a 2.8% increase and if that continued
would mean fees rising above £10,000 in the next few
years. Universities face the dilemma that under
consumer protection requirements they will need to
announce the £9,250 fee before the beginning of the next
application cycle in early September. However, until
formally changed by Parliament, universities are not
allowed to charge a fee higher than £9,000, which is the
current limit.
The government says the increase can apply to students who
have already begun courses - but this will depend on the terms
of student contracts in individual universities. The fees will
increase in subsequent years. Royal Holloway and the
University of Kent have to still to decide on whether to charge
higher fees for current students, but expect to apply them to
new students starting in 2017, if the fee limit increase goes
ahead. The University of Surrey will not increase fees for its
current undergraduates, but fees will increase each year for
students starting in 2017.
Universities minister Jo Johnson has published a statement
setting out plans to link higher fees to better teaching. Liberal
Democrat university spokeswoman Baroness Lorely Burt said:
"Linking fees to teaching quality in this way is unacceptable.
Enabling any university that scrapes a 'meet expectations'
rating to increase fees by 2.8% shows that this isn't about
teaching quality at all. If universities need further support then
let's have a proper discussion about where that money comes
from, rather than pretending that this is somehow a quid pro
quo for providing the quality of teaching students should
already be able to expect". Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the
Sutton Trust education charity, said the fee increase will add to
student debts that we have shown to be by far the highest in
the English-speaking world. A real concern is that the removal
of maintenance grants will almost certainly deter poorer
students, who now face debts of over £50,000 on graduation”.
From: Coughlan, S. (2017). University tuition fees rise to £9,250
for current students –BBC News. [online] BBC News. Available
at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-36856026 [Accessed
19 Jan. 2017].
Education Minister Simon Birmingham on Monday night
unveiled changes that he described as "measured, modest
and balanced" ahead of next week's budget.
As part of the shake-up, student fees would increase by 1.8
per cent next year and continue rising to a total of 7.5 per
cent by 2021.
The Government argues the changes would mean a price
hike of between $2,000 and $3,600 for a four-year course.
The most expensive course, a six-year medical degree,
would cost $75,000.
Senator Birmingham said the new policy was "quite
measured, quite modest and quite balanced" and noted the
Government was still paying the majority of students' fees.
"We're trying to maintain fairness and equity across this
system," he told 7.30.
"Taxpayers will still pick up 54 per cent of average fee costs
per student."
The plan also includes changes to the Government's Higher
Education Loan Program.
From July next year students will have to start paying back
their loans when they reach an income level of $42,000 per
year, down from the current level of about $55,000.
However, the repayment rate will be on a sliding scale from
1 per cent to 10 per cent depending on income.
The Government will also make elements of university
funding contingent on performance in priority areas.
From January, 7.5 per cent of a university's funding from the
Commonwealth Grant Scheme will be contingent on
universities meeting requirements for admissions and
financial transparency.
From: ABC News. (2017). Students set to face higher uni fees under
Government shake-up. [online] Available at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-01/university-fees-to-rise-in-federal-
government-education-shake-up/8487564 [Accessed 4 Nov. 2017].
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2.Make some notes of the most important points, using your own words, in part 2 below.
PART 2:
Notes (Text 1): Notes (Text 2):
Hike in tuition fees for university students in the
United Kingdom from £9,000to £9,250 from
2017. The reason for the hike in tuition fees is
linked to inflation by the government. The hiked
fees also affect the students who had already
enrolled in various courses. The rise of 2.8% is
expected to continue over the next few years and
reach up to £10, 000. Jo Johnson, UK’s
University minister stated that the rise in tuition
fees is directly associated with the better quality
of education. Baroness Lorely Burt, Liberal
Democrat university spokesperson refuted his
statement saying it is unacceptable to link higher
fees with teaching quality in universities.
Chairperson of the Sutton Trust education charity,
Sir Peter Lampl argued that students would be
burdened by the increased debts because of the
hiked fees. Further, it would burden the poorer
students pursuing graduation with debts of over
£50, 000.
Simon Birmingham, Australian Education
Minister announced the rise in student fees that is
expected to come into action from next year. The
1.8% rise would mean that the fees would rise
from $2,000 to $3, 600 from 2018 for a four-year
course. The rise in fees is expected to continue for
the next few years and is estimated to reach 7.5%
by 2021. The new plan might also bring some
changes in the educational loan program of the
government. The level of income that was $55,
000 for students to repay loan will be lowered to
$42, 000 from July next year. In addition, the
government plans to fund universities based on
performance.
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3. Answer the question in part 3 below, using your notes.
PART 3:
What are the similarities and differences between universities in England and Australia in relation
to tuition fees? Why are they important?
SimilaritiesWhen it comes to university fees, both England and Australia are aiming for rise in the
coming years. Universities in both countries are following similar trends of rise in fees in the next few
years. Comparing the loan programs, England and Australia look to burden the students with added
educational loans that are likely to increase student debts. The justification given by Jo Johnson,
University minister of England and Simon Birmingham, Education minister of Australia for the fees
hike and reduced level of income to repay loan can be drawn on similar lines. Jo Johnson justified the
rise in fees linking it with improved quality of teaching whereas Simon Birmingham voted for the new
education loan program claiming it to increase university performance. Differences The primary
difference between the two universities is the higher rate of fees in Australia as compared to England.
The overall cost of studying in England is £20, 000 to £30, 000 for undergraduate courses. On the
other hand, the average fees demanded by Australian universities annually are around $34, 000 (which
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is around £20, 000) to $ 53, 000(close to £31, 000). Apart from that, universities in England hiked the
fees by 2.8% in comparison to a hike of 1.8% by Australian universities. The comparison drawn
between the universities of the two most reputed nations for higher studies is important in various
aspects. These similarities and differences first clearly demonstrate the current picture of the quality of
higher education in both countries. To England in particular, this comparison is important because
many surveys have revealed that the educational quality have deterred in the past few decades. The
comparison allows one to point out the flaws in the education system of England to develop it further
as per the requirement of the students.
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence III
Outline (recommended word count: 200)
Complete your essay outline below. An outline is a map of the main ideas included in your essay. You should
not write full sentences, just notes of the main points that you are going to write in each paragraph of your
essay, along with in-text referencing details (MB=Main Body).
TITLE Comparative Analysis of Higher Education System in England and Australia
INTRODUCTION Background Information:
Education policies and structures in England and Australia, student satisfaction, current position in
world
Thesis Statement:
England excels in higher education but needs to learn few lessons from Australia
MB Paragraph 1 Paragraph Focus: Meaning of higher education and government assistance
Country A: England Country B: Australia
Higher Education meaning and Government
assistance
Popularity amongst international students
Higher education meaning
Government aid
Popularity amongst international students
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MB Paragraph 2 Paragraph Focus: Funding and Quality
Country A: England Country B: Australia
Funding available to universities
Quality of higher education
Areas to improve upon
Lessons to learn from Australia
Funding available to Universities
Quality of higher education
Areas to focus on
CONCLUSION
Summary of main points
Higher Education in England and Australia ranks among the top in the world. Students across the
globe have these countries as top priorities when it comes to higher education. However, England as
a higher education providing country has to improve on certain areas and take one or two lessons
from top countries like Australia.
Recommendations/suggestions/predictions
It can be recommended that England adopt an approach of providing loans to students that is
smooth and easier. It can be more accessible to students with weak financial background.
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence IV
Paragraph structure (recommended word count: 300, including notes)
Write a MB paragraph for your essay below (funding OR quality). Then, highlight its parts using a different
colour for each one of them. Use the following colour code:
Topic sentence: RED
Country A (England): BLUE
Country B (Australia): GREEN
Concluding sentence: ORANGE
In-text reference: PURPLE
Write your paragraph here. Then, colour the different parts.
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Comparing Australia and England funding scheme for Universities
In England, a number of councils and organizations are there that provide funds to carry out research
and teaching in universities. Universities also receive funds from charities, government departments, businesses
and the European Commission (Gov.uk 2017). Added to that are the tuition fees paid by the students as per the
requisite of the course they undertake. Donations and investments made by industries and organizations are also
a source of funding for UK universities. Universities in UK also receive funding in the form of accommodation
rents, consultancy services and others. By 2016, the universities received around 12 billion pounds as funding
witnessing a rise from previous year’s total funding of 11.1 billion pounds.
In contrast to this, universities in Australia are funded by the Australian Government to undertake
research projects. The fund is received through a system of dual funding. The dual funding implies funding
received through competitive research grants and research block grants. In addition to that, Australian
universities earn from funds through HECS-HELP programs, the FEE-HELP program, the Commonwealth
Grants Scheme, students’ upfront contributions, through contracts and consultancies and so on
(Education.gov.au 2017).
Many surveys have revealed that UK universities lose a considerable amount of funds due to the non-
repayment of loans by students. On the other hand, the strategic repayment scheme of Australian universities
demands the students to repay loan in less than ten years. England lacks flexibility in loan provisions to
students, both domestic and international. Australian, in contrast to it, has laid significant interest in earning
from international students and thus has flexible loan sanctions for students.
England’s higher education system lacks transparency and this is the issue that needs to be addressed in
order to achieve maximum benefits through funds and other incomes. They need to take a lesson or two from
Australian universities and government initiatives as well.
References:
Education.gov.au. 2017. Finance Publication | Department of Education and Training. [online] Available at:
https://www.education.gov.au/finance-publication [Accessed 4 Nov. 2017].
Gov.uk. 2017. [online] Available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/31384/11-944-higher-education-
students-at-heart-of-system.pdf [Accessed 4 Nov. 2017].
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence V
Essay self-assessment form (recommended word count: 100)
Complete this form before you submit your portfolio.
Type a few comments below in relation to how well you have
addressed the following criteria in your essay.
ESSAY STRUCTURE
A. Has a clear structure including an
introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
& bibliography.
Click here to enter text.
B. Has a clear thesis statement that states
the sub-topics and position.
Click here to enter text.
C. Has clear topic sentences in each main Click here to enter text.
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body paragraph.
D. Has features of an essay not a report,
i.e. no headings, no bullet points etc.
Click here to enter text.
CONTENT
E. Has compared directly between the two
countries in each paragraph.
Click here to enter text.
F. Has commented on what we learn from
the comparisons.
Click here to enter text.
G. Has included suitable background
information in the introduction.
Click here to enter text.
H. Has included a suitable summary and
position in the conclusion.
Click here to enter text.
I. Has written 750 words (+/- 10%). Click here to enter text.
USE OF SOURCES AND REFERENCING
J. Has a minimum of 2 sources per
paragraph.
Click here to enter text.
K. Has in-text citations which follow
Harvard style. E.g. (Coughlan, 2014).
Click here to enter text.
M. Has avoided plagiarism. Click here to enter text.
USE OF ENGLISH
N. Writes accurate sentences. Click here to enter text.
O. Spells and punctuates accurately. Click here to enter text.
P. Uses a range of language. Click here to enter text.
Q. Writes in an appropriate academic
style.
Click here to enter text.
Things you feel competent at (approx. 50 words):
I have competency in understanding the topic and doing relevant research. I am also good at
structuring sentences in systematic method. I have a good command over spelling and grammar. All
the content of the essay are written in my own words and hence, no case of plagiarism is there.
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Things you need to work on (approx. 50 words):
I need to work on my hold on English vocabulary as I often run out of apt words while writing. I also
need to work on finding and providing correct and approved references that validate the writing. I have
to work on my skills of writing suitable introductions and conclusions.
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Section 2: Written Task
Academic Writing (750 words)
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Please type your essay below (750 words).
Make sure that:
 Your essay has an appropriate title, an introduction, two main body paragraphs, a
conclusion and a reference list.
 You have used at least 2 references (in-text citations) in each of your main body
paragraphs (at least 4 references in total).
 You have discussed BOTH countries in EACH of your main body paragraphs (point-by-
point approach).
Title: Compare and contrast the higher education system in England with that of
Australia in terms of funding and quality. Which system is preferable?
Introduction
England and Australia are the two developed countries in the west that always challenge each other in
terms of higher education. In the latest World University Rankings, three UK universities made it to
the top ten with Oxford and Cambridge University securing the first and second spot respectively. On
the other hand, only two Australian universities featured in the top fifty (Times Higher Education
(THE), 2017). The concerned heads in both countries are continuously developing policies and plans
to better the higher educational system.
Meaning of higher education
The system of higher education in England is a complex one. Institutions and organizations of higher
education are autonomous and have partial or no interference of the government. These higher
education institutions are recognized by the Royal Charter and are partly funded by the government
(Gov.uk 2017).
In Australia, higher education is mostly known as tertiary education and its main providers are
universities and other institutions like Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) and Technical and
Further Education (TAFE). Government control over these institutions is limited. However, the
government does make plans and policies to support higher education (Studyinaustralia.gov.au 2017).
The Department of Education of the Government of United Kingdom is responsible for announcing
policies and providing funds for the higher education institutions in England. Every year, the
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government introduces schemes for better funding of the universities in order to achieve quality in all
aspects including research, teaching and student experience (Gov.uk 2017).
Australia, on the other hand lays significant emphasis on the growth of higher education, as it is the
third largest industry of export in the country. The Australian government every year announces the
Higher Education Reform Package to ensure advanced quality of teaching, research and facilities in the
higher education system (Devlin 2013).
Funding and Quality
In England, a number of councils and organizations are there that provide funds to carry out research
and teaching in universities. Universities also receive funds from charities, government departments,
businesses and the European Commission (Gov.uk 2017). By 2016, the universities received around
12 billion pounds as funding witnessing a rise from previous year’s total funding of 11.1 billion
pounds (England 2017).
In contrast to this, universities in Australia are funded by the Australian Government to undertake
research projects. The fund is received through a system of dual funding. The dual funding implies
funding received through competitive research grants and research block grants. (Education.gov.au
2017).
Many surveys have revealed that UK universities lose a considerable amount of funds due to the non-
repayment of loans by students. On the other hand, the strategic repayment scheme of Australian
universities demands the students to repay loan in less than ten years. England lacks flexibility in loan
provisions to students, both domestic and international (England 2017). Australian, in contrast to it,
has laid significant interest in earning from international students and thus has flexible loan sanctions
for students (O'Mahony and Garavan 2012).
England has a systematic method to ensure quality in higher education. Higher education institutions
follow set standards and procedures to establish and maintain academic quality. Agencies like Quality
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Assurance Agency for Higher Education conduct reviews and audits that bring out the status of
education in universities based on a number of parameters (Gov.uk 2017). These reviews also make
sure that the universities are at par with the rules and expectations prescribed in the Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for England.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is the leading body for assessing
higher education quality in Australia. Formed in 2008, the primary role of TEQSA is to register all
providers of higher education, certify courses, most importantly, guarantee quality against standards
set externally, and cut risk by scrutinizing institutional performance on various parameters
(Teqsa.gov.au 2017) (Siemens, Dawson and Lynch 2013).
Organizations and government departments in both countries continuously evaluate the standard of
higher education and devise new strategies to counter issues and problems. Through agencies like
QAA in England and TEQSA in Australia, practices and policies are constantly evaluated and
modified to meet desired standard (O'Mahony and Garavan 2012).
Conclusion
It is evident from some of the policies and measures taken by higher education institutions in both
countries that they follow similar paths. While in England, the government looked to hike tuition fees,
the Australian government devised policies to cut university funding. However, England could do
better in terms of providing financial help to students, particularly international students.
England also needs to take a cue from Australia’s TEQSA, which is the prime regulatory body that
governs both public and private higher education providers.
In conclusion, it can be said that although Australia lags in the list of top universities as compared to
England, the flexibility of its system makes it preferable. England on the other hand, must address
issues in terms of funding to maintain its top position.
Recommendation
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