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IEAA Young Professionals (NSW): Shaping the Future of International Education

10 Jun 2026, Sydney
Description
IEAA Young Professionals supports up-and-coming staff in international education. The group provides a forum for career development and networking for emerging professionals who are working or seeking work in Australia's international education community.
Web Desc

Australia’s international education sector is navigating one of its most complex policy environments in recent years. From the introduction of enrolment caps and allocation frameworks to significant increases in student visa application fees, the landscape continues to shift. Added to this are declining visa grant rates in certain regions and the recent ban on onshore transfer commissions. These developments are reshaping how institutions engage with students, agents and global markets.

This event brings together industry professionals to explore how institutions can respond strategically and sustainably. Attendees will gain insights into how leading institutions are repositioning their value propositions. The discussion will also highlight innovative approaches to agent engagement and partnership models in a more regulated environment. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to sustain growth amid ongoing policy changes.

This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education.

Program

5:30pm Registration opens
6:00pm Welcome by Young Professional Co-chairs & IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood
6:05pm Welcome by Study NSW
6:10pm Panel session
6:40pm Networking, drinks and canapés
7:30pm Event concludes

 

 

This event is led by IEAA Young Professionals with the generous support from Study NSW.
Type Member Non-Member 

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IEAA YP (NSW)
$0
$0

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Torrens University Australia
Surry Hills Campus (SRC Corner)
Sydney
10 Jun 2026
20
You can earn up to 20 fellowship points.
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Event Speakers

Event speaker details will be updated as they are confirmed.
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Ethan Duan 

Country Director – Greater China 

Torrens University Australia & Media Design School 

Ethan Duan is a professional marketing and student recruitment specialist, with experience across higher education and real estate industries.

Hon Phil Honeywood, IEAA-SF 

Chief Executive Officer 

International Education Association of Australia 

Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College. Phil is the Chairman of the Roundtable of International Education Peak Body CEOs and a member of the Tuition Protection Service Board. Phil is also a Board member of the Bennelong Philanthropic Foundation and the Bangarra Group Board.

Anna Kirkham, IEAA-F 

International Development and Sponsorships Manager 

University of Sydney 

Anna Kirkham has worked in various managerial positions in international education sector in the last 20 years. She has broad experience in managing international student support services, international compliance, quality assurance, scholarships and has a deep knowledge of the legislative environment of international education. Currently, Anna is International Development and Sponsorships Manager at the University of Sydney.

Vincent Liu 

Employability Officer 

University of Sydney 

Vincent Liu is a dedicated professional at the Careers Centre, University of Sydney, supporting international students in their career development and employability. Previously, he worked in Sydney Future Students – International Recruitment, focusing on the Greater China region and leading initiatives to attract and support international students. With extensive experience across ELICOS, vocational education, and higher education in ASX-listed corporations, government, and universities, Vincent has successfully developed markets in Asia and built strong partnerships with industry and education stakeholders. He is passionate about empowering international students to thrive in Australia and become confident, globally minded young professionals.

Alex Matos 

Associate Director 

Study NSW 

Alex Matos is an Associate Director at Study NSW with extensive experience across government and international markets. Prior to joining the NSW Government he worked for Austrade and served as CEO of the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. Alex is passionate about international education and its ability to shape careers and life outcomes.

Daniel Renton, IEAA-F 

Director of Marketing and Admissions 

La Trobe University Sydney 

With over 25 years of experience in international education, Daniel has worked across the globe in leadership, business development and student recruitment roles. He has partnered with universities and private providers to support secondary, tertiary and English-language students in accessing study opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK, the USA and online. A former international student himself, Daniel is passionate about helping young people experience the transformative impact of learning in new environments—both inside and outside the classroom. He draws on deep insight into how student motivations and aspirations evolve across generations, shaping his approach to student engagement and educational outreach. Daniel believes strongly in the idea that meaningful learning happens everywhere, paraphrasing Mark Twain’s timeless reminder to “never let school get in the way of your education”.

Sandra Yan 

Associate Vice President & Pathway Programs 

International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) 

Sandra Yan specialises in student recruitment, partner engagement, and pathway programs. She leads strategic initiatives that strengthen stakeholder relationships while enhancing access and support for students. Originally from China, Sandra spent eight years in Singapore before relocating to Australia, bringing valuable cross-cultural insight and a deep understanding of international education markets. Her global experience enables her to connect effectively with diverse communities and contribute meaningfully to sector growth. Sandra is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where students and young professionals feel supported and empowered, and creating opportunities that enable individuals to flourish in international education and achieve their goals.

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IEAA Young Professionals (NSW): Shaping the Future of International Education

IEAA Banner
IEAA Young Professionals supports up-and-coming staff in international education. The group provides a forum for career development and networking for emerging professionals who are working or seeking work in Australia's international education community.

Australia’s international education sector is navigating one of its most complex policy environments in recent years. From the introduction of enrolment caps and allocation frameworks to significant increases in student visa application fees, the landscape continues to shift. Added to this are declining visa grant rates in certain regions and the recent ban on onshore transfer commissions. These developments are reshaping how institutions engage with students, agents and global markets.

This event brings together industry professionals to explore how institutions can respond strategically and sustainably. Attendees will gain insights into how leading institutions are repositioning their value propositions. The discussion will also highlight innovative approaches to agent engagement and partnership models in a more regulated environment. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to sustain growth amid ongoing policy changes.

This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education.

Program

5:30pm Registration opens
6:00pm Welcome by Young Professional Co-chairs & IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood
6:05pm Welcome by Study NSW
6:10pm Panel session
6:40pm Networking, drinks and canapés
7:30pm Event concludes

 

 

This event is led by IEAA Young Professionals with the generous support from Study NSW.
When
10/06/2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
AUS Eastern Standard Time
Where
Torrens University Australia Surry Hills Campus (SRC Corner) 17 Foveaux Street Sydney, NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA
Registration
Registration is closed.

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