Academics have claimed that some of Australia's most elite universities are dumbing down their courses for foreign students who struggle with English, fearing large-scale complaints. The University of Sydney received 135 complaints about academic assessments last year, with many alleging unfair marking.
An anonymous professor at a leading Sydney university said even minor exam issues could trigger joint complaints signed by up to 100 students. 'International students didn't used to be organised but in the past two years that has all changed,' the professor told The Australian.
The professor added that international students often study narrowly using past exams and complain when assessments change. 'The trade-off is clear. It is actually easier for us to adapt to these students' expectations,' he said, noting that lecturers may give positive evaluations to avoid trouble.
University of Sydney professor Salvatore Babones claimed foreign students could enrol via pathway programs like Taylors College with only modest English skills. He said Taylors uses its own criteria to assess language proficiency, not necessarily meeting the university's standard IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0.
International students contribute $40 billion annually to Australia's economy, but revenues are expected to drop by $16 billion over three years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Foreign students remain banned from entering Australia under the travel ban.
