Politics · Australia · 1 day ago
Australian universities struggle to fill international student places
Australian universities are enrolling fewer international students than expected, and regional universities are among the hardest hit.
In October, universities were filling about two-thirds of their allocated international student places on average, according to Department of Education figures.
Charles Sturt University in regional New South Wales had filled 40% of its cap this year and said it had just one-fifth of its pre-pandemic international student numbers.
University leaders point to uncertainty over visas, high application fees and political debate about immigration as reasons students may be staying away.
International student fees help pay for university teaching and research, and can also support services for domestic students.
Leaders warn that falling revenue could mean cuts and fewer services, while Charles Sturt has already announced job cuts and restructuring.
Some university leaders support tighter rules on students changing courses, while Federation University has called for a special visa for students taking courses linked to regional skills shortages.
Australian universities are filling about two-thirds of their allocated international student places on average, according to October Department of Education figures.
Regional universities are among the hardest hit, with Charles Sturt University filling 40% of its cap this year.
University leaders say visa uncertainty, high application fees and political debate about immigration are deterring prospective students.
Charles Sturt estimates the gap in international student recruitment since before the pandemic is costing it $35 million.
University leaders warn that lower international student revenue could lead to cuts and put pressure on services for domestic students.
- Who
- Australian universities, particularly regional institutions, are struggling to fill international student places.
- What
- Universities report lower international student enrolments and warn of financial pressure.
- When
- October 2026 figures show universities are filling about two-thirds of allocated places on average.
- Where
- Australia, with regional areas hit hardest.
- Why
- University leaders cite visa uncertainty, high application fees, visa refusals and heated political debate on immigration.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
At the moment, we’re around 35% down on where we were last year, and we had expected to grow from last year. Currently we only have 20% of the international student volume we had prior to the pandemic.
It creates massive problems because international students are basically the only profitable aspect of university operations.
In our case, international students heavily subsidise domestic students, and it puts real pressure on the services we can offer to domestic students.
Adelaide University told the ABC it had reached 60% of its international student capacity.
Department of Education figures showed universities filling about two-thirds of allocated international student places on average.
- Average capacity filled
- About two-thirds
- Universities above 80% capacity
- Five public universities, all in capital cities
- Charles Sturt University capacity filled
- 40% this year
- Charles Sturt estimated recruitment gap cost
- $35 million
- International student visa application fee
- $2,500
Sources
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