An international student levy is just one idea to fund the reform of higher education in Australia, the education minister has reiterated.

Australian institutions have hit back at proposals to introduce a levy on international student fee income, saying it amounts to a tax on the sector.

A new division in ITECA for its higher education members in Australia will give them "focused policy leadership" on unique issues they face.

Universities Australia has welcomed the Universities Accord interim report, saying it "underscores the importance" of tertiary education in building a stronger Australia.

Australia's federal government has released its interim report on the upcoming Universities Accord, which has been touted as the biggest review of the country's higher education system since 2008.

The system of awarding additional points to visa applicants who have studied in regional Australia could be scrapped under new recommendations.

Australia's retention of international students has fallen behind other countries, with 16% of international students gaining permanent residency.