The Australian government's reform opens the way for overseas and private sectors to offer more higher education, including with university titles. Presently, only three private universities can call themselves universities. In return, however, private institutions will have to provide more information on their performance and outcomes. Critics warn that such reform could result in the growth of "McDegrees," devaluing the reputation of Australian degrees. Promoting diversification, the new reform will also give both public and private institutions alternatives to being either research-only or teaching-only institutions. In addition, there is a blurry boundary between public and private institutions due to a policy implementation on "full-fee degrees" introduced in public universities.

For the full story (shown with permission), see The Australian, March 2, 2005. "Overseas universities win in new shake-up," by Samantha Maiden. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12416602%255E12332,00.html