Universities appear in the clear on international ed numbers with complete stats for 2024 showing all are under the government’s 50% cap. Only three – Murdoch U , Uni Wollongong and RMIT – had fewer than 60% local undergraduates.
But a new analysis by data master Frank Larkins (Uni Melbourne) demonstrates that while there is no apparent pattern across UG, PG coursework and PG research international and domestic enrolments, overall reliance on internationals stays strong. Uni NSW for example, grew domestic enrolments by 3% and internationals 38% in 2023-24. At the other end, while La Trobe U was up 8% on locals it also increased internationals by 6%.
Among the Group of Eight, international enrolment growth outstripped domestic enrolment increases all over – excluding ANU, which declined marginally in both markets.
Across the country, 76% of UGS were locals in 2024, pretty much unchanged on ’23. But while domestic coursework PG numbers fell by 4%, accounting for just under half the total, category growth was 9%; driven almost entirely to increased internationals.
“With the government signalling changes in overseas student admission quotas and visa controls, the present trends may be unsustainable,” Professor Larkins suggests.
“Australian universities face very challenging times if domestic student demand continues to be limited at a time when Australia’s population continues to grow. The ever-increasing dependence of Australian universities on overseas students for their financial viability does highlight their vulnerability to uncertain geopolitical factors and to the impact of adverse policy changed relating to overseas students proposed by the Australian government. Increased focus must be on attracting more domestic students.”