IDP History

navin_c

MP Guru
IDP History
IDP Education - Experienced in international education and development
Since 1969, IDP Education has played a major role in international education and development. IDP operates in an ever-changing environment and the organisation's success has been built on its ability to adapt to change.

IDP was established in September 1969 as the Australian-Asian Universities' Cooperation Scheme (AAUCS). Its mission was to strengthen teaching and research in a number of institutions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. The organisation was set up as an aid body, funded by the Australian Government. A Standing Committee of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee determined overall policy.

For two decades, IDP focused primarily on educational aid and worked closely with government and institutions. As the aid program expanded to include the South Pacific, the AAUCS name was changed to accommodate non-Asian institutions. In 1981, AAUCS was re-named the Australian Universities International Development Program. However, by 1984, the contribution of Australian Colleges of Advanced Education was recognised and the company's name became the International Development Program (IDP) of Australian Universities and Colleges. This name was changed to IDP Education Australia Ltd in 1994.

IDP was gradually transformed into an organisation with three major business arms – recruitment of international students, English language testing, and management of international aid projects.

In 2005 the 38 universities which are shareholders in IDP Education Australia Ltd decided to transfer IDP’s business into a new company IDP Education Pty Ltd. This transfer was effected in September 2006.

It was announced on 9 August 2006 that SEEK Ltd is the preferred bidder for a 50 per cent equity shareholding in IDP Education Pty Ltd, with the other 50 per cent continuing to be held by university shareholders through IDP Education Australia Ltd.

Recruiting international students for Australian institutions
As a result of changes in Government aid policy, IDP undertook initiatives in the mid-1980s to build a new business in student recruitment through such activities as education counselling, publications, exhibitions and English language testing.

IDP already had offices in Indonesia and the Philippines that provided support for the AAUCS. However, in 1987, IDP set up an office in Singapore specifically for student recruitment. In 2003, IDP delivered international education services to students through a network of over 50 offices around the globe.

The methods used by IDP to provide advice and assistance to potential international students has given the organisation world leadership in the student recruitment field. IDP became a model for other countries, such as Canada and New Zealand, seeking to promote their own systems of education.

Offering English language testing
In 1989, IDP joined in partnership with the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and The British Council to form IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Australia. The first IELTS Australia centres were established in the major cities in Australia and in a number of overseas countries in 1990. Since then the network of IELTS Australia centres has expanded greatly. The quality and reliability of IELTS has been demonstrated through its recognition as the world's premier test for English proficiency.

Managing project development across the world
IDP has also continued operating in the project development and aid arena. The company currently manages a portfolio of project and training activities in South East Asia, China, Southern Africa and Central Europe. It now undertakes project development for international bodies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, in addition to the Australian Government's AusAID.
 
Top