Implications of low English standards among overseas students at Australian universities: beyond reproductive stereotypes

The results of the English tests required of overseas students who obtained permanent residence visas in 2005–06 after graduating reveal that at least a third scored below the level normally required for employment as professionals in Australia. This article explores how students with limited English gained entry to Australian higher education courses in the first place and how they subsequently passed their examinations. It also examines the responses to this situation on the part of the Australian Government and of the Australian accrediting authorities whose task is to assess the adequacy of students’ credentials (including English) within their jurisdiction.