“It really is a worst-case scenario for universities.”
The revenue universities have drawn from international students increased by 137 per cent between 2008 and 2018,the institute’s report,Australian Investment in Education:Higher Education,states.
International university students spent $3.72 billion on fees in 2008 and $8.83 billion in 2018.
International student numbers grew 58 per cent in that time,meaning universities also increased their fees to international students.
“There are more of them and[universities] are charging them more,” Mr Hurley said of the sector's increasing reliance on international students.
Meanwhile,revenue from domestic students increased 43.2 per cent as student numbers grew 37.5 per cent,but without a comparable hike in tuition fees.
Victoria and NSW combined draw slightly more than two-thirds of total Australian revenue from international students,claiming $5.99 billion out of a sector-wide $8.76 billion in 2018.
Six universities made more than half of their student revenue from international students,including the University of Melbourne,Monash University,the University of Sydney,the University of NSW,the University of Queensland and Federation University in Ballarat.
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Mr Hurley said the larger universities were in a healthy financial position before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and had resources to draw on during lean times.
Most smaller universities had less reliance on foreign students but also had less in reserve and would likely be forced to make tough decisions.
“They’re not going to go bust but they will have to cut costs – they will cut staff,they will cut courses,” Mr Hurley said.
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In response to the COVID-19 crisis,the Morrison government has guaranteed $18 billion in funding for universities'domestic education in 2020,pegging the support at expected student numbers before the hit to enrolments from the pandemic. Ordinarily,it would be revised down throughout the year if student numbers were lower than anticipated.
Universities have welcomed the government support but warned it does not address the"big hole"in revenue from the loss of international students.
International education providers have also been alarmed about long-term damage to Australia’s reputation after Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently said it was “time to go home” for foreign students and workers who couldn’t support themselves.
Education consultant Claire Field said the lack of support being shown to international students by the Australian government right now could also do lasting reputational damage to the university sector.
"Our approach is in sharp contrast to the UK,NZ and Canadian governments,all of whom are extending to international students the same support they’re providing their citizens,"Ms Field said.
Ms Field said international student enrolments plummeted by 20 per cent 10 years ago following a spate of attacks on Indian students,which attracted overseas media focus.
"If Australia doesn’t provide financial assistance to international students who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis I expect the damage to the sector to be far greater this time,"she said.
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