12,000 Aussie Students Might Need To Change Colleges Following The Collapse Of Vocation Ltd

Around 12,000 Australian vocational education students are facing an uncertain future, with the owner of several colleges having gone bust.

According to SMH, Vocation Ltd. has collapsed, having failed to secure further capital as it faces mounting debts.

That means the students at its colleges - including Avana, Real Institute, Real Community, Building Brighter Futures, TDA and Consumer Service Institute of Australia - may need to change schools, should any of their current institutes be shuttered. The students could also seek a refund on their VET Fee Help loans.

These students span Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

If Vocational Ltd. is bought out before liquidation, there is a possibility that its colleges could remain fully operational under a new buyer.

However, in the event of liquidation, the Australian Skills Quality Authority will strip the colleges of their registrations.

The Victorian Department of Education and Training is getting in touch with affected students to explain their options.

"We will assist students and provide advice on a suitable TAFE to enable them to finish their training at no additional cost," said Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert.

The NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro echoed his Victorian counterpart’s pledge, while spokespeople from Queensland and South Australia’s respective skills and training departments also promised to work with students to ensure their achievements to date are recognised.