Australian government has asked its universities to ensure that country's students must remain in majority on campus, as international enrolments continue to grow across leading institutions, according to a report by Times Higher Education.
Education Minister Jason Clare said Australian students should make up “more than 50%” of total enrolments. “There’s nothing more important for Australian universities than educating Australians,” Clare told Sky News. His remarks come as international students now form over half of the total student body at some campuses, including the University of Sydney, Murdoch University, and RMIT University.
As per THE report, government data shows that at the University of Sydney, international students accounted for 51% of enrolments in 2024, up from 49% in 2023 and 43% before the pandemic. Murdoch University reported an even higher share at 57% , while RMIT University crossed the 50% mark last year.
Other leading universities are approaching similar levels. The University of New South Wales had 47% international students in 2024, followed by the University of Wollongong at 46%, Monash University at 45%, and the University of Melbourne at 44%.
This growing dependence on overseas enrolments is tied to financial pressures that began a decade ago, after government funding uncertainties prompted institutions to seek additional revenue streams. Between 2013 and 2018, Sydney’s international student numbers more than doubled, rising from 12,300 to 26,000.
For now, the government’s message signals a renewed focus on keeping Australian students at the centre of the country’s higher education system, even as international learners remain a vital part of university revenues and cultural diversity.
Education Minister Jason Clare said Australian students should make up “more than 50%” of total enrolments. “There’s nothing more important for Australian universities than educating Australians,” Clare told Sky News. His remarks come as international students now form over half of the total student body at some campuses, including the University of Sydney, Murdoch University, and RMIT University.
As per THE report, government data shows that at the University of Sydney, international students accounted for 51% of enrolments in 2024, up from 49% in 2023 and 43% before the pandemic. Murdoch University reported an even higher share at 57% , while RMIT University crossed the 50% mark last year.
Other leading universities are approaching similar levels. The University of New South Wales had 47% international students in 2024, followed by the University of Wollongong at 46%, Monash University at 45%, and the University of Melbourne at 44%.
This growing dependence on overseas enrolments is tied to financial pressures that began a decade ago, after government funding uncertainties prompted institutions to seek additional revenue streams. Between 2013 and 2018, Sydney’s international student numbers more than doubled, rising from 12,300 to 26,000.
For now, the government’s message signals a renewed focus on keeping Australian students at the centre of the country’s higher education system, even as international learners remain a vital part of university revenues and cultural diversity.
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