The Group of Eight argues Australia should pay for access to Horizon Europe – the world’s largest research funding program – but the question is who would do the science if the money came in?
Australia faced a dramatic decline in domestic research student numbers by almost 20% (3,759) between 2015 and 2024 in Go8 universities, according to fresh insights from data-master Frank Larkins (Uni Melbourne).
Overall, HDR enrolments in Go8 universities increased by just 0.4% (115 people) over the period, only as a result of increased international student numbers (up nearly 40%)
It was way worse for domestic commencements; down a quarter at six universities. The exceptional results were Monash U, where starts were down only 2.7%; and ANU where they dropped 42%.
“This is a most worrying outcome for the future of domestic research training in Australia,” Professor Larkins warns.
“Universities are reporting that some scholarship funds available for domestic PhD students exceed student demand.”
But ample internationals are enthusiastic, and so are Go8 members. Uni WA had 261% increase in commencements, Uni Sydney 122% – although ANU again trailed with an 18% increase.
Overall, however the trends in research students at the Go8 are significant and serious, highlighting, “the compromised capacity Go8 universities have in playing a role in any government-led R&D growth strategy.”
Professor Larkins argues incentives for locals, stipends and career opportunities, need to improve, but given the essential contribution of internationals, “their welfare merits more consideration by policy makers.”
This issue will be one of a number of critical workforce issues addressed at the Future Campus HE People & Performance Conference 2026 in Melbourne this June, with insights from students and sector leaders.