University of Melbourne statement on international student caps

University of Melbourne Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicola Phillips has made the following statement in response to the Australian Government's proposed indicative international student caps:

"The Australian Government has proposed an indicative international student cap on the University of Melbourne of 9300. This is for new, commencing international students in 2025."

"By comparison, this year, the University enrolled more than 10,400 new international students and we anticipated this to grow to over 11,000 in next year. As such, the proposed cap represents a 18% reduction in the number of new international student enrolments than we expected in 2025.

"In financial terms, the indicative cap represents a revenue loss for the University of Melbourne of approximately $85 million in 2025, with flow on impacts into future years.

"The consequences of the proposed cap will become clearer in the weeks ahead. However, there is no doubt that they will be significant and damaging for the University.

"Our priority now is to get the answers we need from the Australian Government to assess the full implications and share this information with our people and students.

"The University maintains that international education is a prized national asset, contributing significantly to Australia’s social and diplomatic success, and something about which we should be proud.

"The proposal to arbitrarily cap international students at universities puts this position at serious risk – it will harm all students, domestic and international, and jeopardise the sector’s reputation and long-term sustainability.

"International students are intrinsic to our purpose as a University and to the breadth, diversity and vibrancy of our University community and its work. We will continue to do everything that we can to make sure that the University of Melbourne remains a destination that international students will want to choose well into the future.

"The University of Melbourne is the highest ranked Australian institution across three major global rankings. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort of talented international students to join us in 2025."

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