Accord’s equity focus forgotten with international student caps

VU's response to the Federal Government's cap on international students.

Wednesday 2 October 2024

After further analysis of the Federal Government’s cap on international student enrolments announced last month, Victoria University (VU) can reveal it stands to lose approximately $16.7 million next year alone.

The forced reduction in demand sees VU’s numbers capped at 11 per cent below the University’s 2023 intake level, a decrease which is disproportionately higher than for many other universities across Australia.

“It is not a pretty picture. Without revenue generated from international students, we wouldn’t have been able to implement our VU Block ModelÒ back in 2018 – a teaching method which has dramatically improved retention and pass rates, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said.

We will continue to engage with the Federal Government and explain the significant impact this decision will have on our financial position — which we’ve worked very hard to improve over recent years.”

Over a third of VU students are from equity backgrounds, such as First Nations students, students with a disability and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Almost half of our students are the first in their family to go to university, ranking us the third highest in Australia - and number one by far of all metro universities.

“Every dollar counts for a public-purpose institution like ours. This proposal will hinder VU’s ability to invest and grow our equity and excellence agenda, which directly contradicts the key intent of the Federal Government’s Universities Accord,” Professor Shoemaker said.

The issue of equity does not rest with domestic students alone. Many of our international students benefit significantly from the VU Block Model – an innovative teaching method that sees students studying one subject at a time in four-week blocks in small, workshop-style classes.
“Our commitment to attracting and welcoming the brightest minds remains strong, and we encourage prospective international students to apply to join us.”