From volume to value – shaping the future of international education recruitment

Taking place on 16 September 2025 at Torrens University’s Surry Hills Campus in Sydney (17 Foveaux Street), this event brings together key stakeholders – education agents, government officials, providers across higher education, VET, ELICOS, plus service partners – for a critical industry reset.

Amidst two years of sweeping reform in visa policies, compliance and accountability frameworks, and shifting global student demand, SYMPLED 2025 offers education recruiters a place for dialogue and strategy. Drawing from its reputation as one of Australia’s most practical events for admissions, compliance, and student-support experts, the symposium promises actionable insights and collaboration on the issues at hand 

The program features a rich array of speakers, including:

Hon Julian Hill, assistant minister for international education 

Michal Sestak, founder and migration agent of SIS Consulting Pty Ltd and AustraliaOnline, moderating a panel on “The Dilemma of the Genuine Student” amid a surge in visa refusal appeals—from 2,400 in 2023 to 40,000 in 2025 

International student panel on the future of international student representative bodies 

Ian Aird, CEO of English Australia, in a “Call to Action” panel exploring the role of ELICOS in bridging tourism, working holiday, and long-term education sectors 

Additional speakers include leaders from tuition protection, international education bodies, compliance, and provider networks:

Melinda Hatton, director of the Tuition Protection Service

Carmen Basilicata, executive director, Integrity, ASQA

Toshi Kawaguchi, director, international education, StudyNSW

Dirk Mulder, founder and CEO of The Koala News

Mark Lucas, senior vice president, HUATONG International (HTI)

Melanie Macfarlane, board member, ISEAA

SYMPLED 2025 is where the international education community can recalibrate and collaborate, unlocking “value” in recruitment and practice for a more resilient future.

For the full lineup, program updates, and registration, visit the official SYMPLED website.