Stanley College: taking Australian education global
Stanley College’s commitment to quality learning and teaching has resulted in higher student satisfaction ratings and levels of employability. This is a 60th Australian Export Awards winner case study.
Stanley College is on a mission to provide outstanding Australian education to students from across the globe.
The Western Australia-based college’s 2,200 students hail from more than 40 countries. It delivers its vocational training and higher education degree programs from 3 campuses in Perth and one in Adelaide.
Five-star service for international students
International students come to Australia seeking high-quality, globally renowned education.
‘They are often away from their families for the first time. They arrive with dreams and expectations, but also fears and anxieties,’ says Alberto Tassone, Stanley College President.
‘We operate our college like a hotel. Our students are our guests, and we strive to provide five-star service.’
Student diversity drives growth
The key driver for Stanley College’s international expansion is student diversity and inclusion, according to Tassone.
‘International and domestic students expect to be welcomed to the campus, no matter who they are.’
Over the past 12 months, the college has sought to increase enrolments from Europe, Latin America, Nepal and Vietnam.
‘Employing a dedicated Stanley College representative in key countries like Nepal and Vietnam has helped us partner with new quality education agencies,’ says Tassone. ‘In-country representatives provide agents with product training and help with students’ queries.’
The new appointments saw enrolments increase by more than 100% in Semester 2, 2022. For example, enrolments from Vietnam increased by 10% in Semester 2, 2022 and by more than 30% for Semester 1, 2023.
In 2023, the college will extend the same approach to other target markets, including Indonesia and Colombia.
Practical experience drives employment outcomes
Stanley College designs all courses to maximise practical experience. This includes the use of simulated labs, workplace training and internships. For most students, this holistic approach results in students achieving their first employment.
The college partners with more than 200 employers. It helps students find quality work during or on completion of their course.
‘Typically, students gain employment a short time into their course. They work in areas relevant to their chosen career,’ says Tassone.
Popular pathways span Health, Community Services, Hospitality, Information & Communication Technology, Business, Digital Marketing and English.
Encouragement for other education providers
As the 2022 winner of the International Education and Training award, Tassone sees the Australian Export Awards as a chance for his team to be acknowledged for their hard work.
‘We have encouraged other education providers to apply for the Awards and will continue to do so,’ he says. ‘A high number of applicants will make the award highly competitive. This will help profile Australia’s quality education sector.’
Tassone believes that recognition as a finalist is one of the college’s most important achievements to date. ‘It helps us solidify our reputation as a quality provider and strengthens our brand.’
Social impact initiatives inspire a college community
Stanley College offers a range of social impact initiatives. These are aimed at inspiring collaboration among the college community. Initiatives during 2021–22 included:
- providing additional online student support
- providing lower fees and easily accessible education under the Government of Western Australia’s Jobs & Skills WA initiative
- organising social and physical activities
- offering free mental health counselling services
- acknowledging Indigenous culture and celebrating NAIDOC Week
- celebrating cultural diversity by sharing global cuisines and traditions.
Stanley College has its sights set on university college status
‘We are benchmarking and collaborating with independent and public education providers to achieve excellence in education,’ says Tassone. ‘This will ensure Stanley College continues to help lead the charge in exporting Australian education.’