The 9,500 "extra" domestic university places for 2026 announced by Education Minister Jason Clare are unfunded and fall short of delivering real progress in enabling domestic enrolment growth, access and opportunity, Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Graham Brown has said.
"Minister Jason Clare’s announcement of 9,500 “extra” university places for 2026 falls short of delivering real progress," Professor Brown said.
"They come without additional government funding—only students are expected contribute more.
"This places undue strain on universities, which are being asked to do more with less, compromising the quality and sustainability of education."
In addition, the agency responsible for allocating the additional places, ATEC had not been empowered through legislation to do so, making the allocations "informal and unenforceable," Professor Brown said, in a sharp attack on the Albanese Government's approach.
"Under current law, universities can enrol Commonwealth-Supported students beyond their funding cap, receiving only the student contribution. The 9,500 places act as a ceiling, not a gateway.
"This approach raises serious concerns about fairness and competition. Informal restrictions—without legislative backing—risk undermining consumer choice and may even breach competition law by encouraging cartel-like behaviour across the sector.
"We urge the government to reconsider this policy and engage in genuine collaboration with universities. True expansion requires proper funding, clear legislation and a shared commitment to equitable access for all Australians."