Fifteen Australian universities will see their international student numbers slashed in 2025, according to newly released Department of Education figures. The University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne face a 7% reduction, with caps set at 11,900 and 9,300 students respectively. The Australian National University will have its allocation cut by over 14%.
Federation University Australia is the hardest hit, with its cap reduced to 1,100 students from 2,306 in 2023. Murdoch University in Perth will see a 34% drop to 3,500 students. In contrast, 23 universities will be allowed modest increases, with Charles Sturt University receiving the largest percentage rise—517%—to 1,000 students, though this is still 66% below its 2019 intake.
The caps have been criticised as “random” and “arbitrary” by university leaders. Western Sydney University’s vice-chancellor, Professor George Williams, said he was “frankly shocked” by the details, warning of “perverse unintended consequences”. The Greens’ education spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, called the policy a “complete mess”.
Education Minister Jason Clare defended the caps as a “fairer way” to manage the system, allowing almost every regional university to enrol more international students next year. However, industry bodies warn the plan to cap total enrolments at 270,000 could lead to thousands of job losses and the closure of up to 300 independent colleges.
