“We value our international students,they are valued contributors,we love having them on campus,but I think there are many who would say the financial dependence on their contribution is not where it needs to be,” he said.
“Australian research performance is very strongly financially dependent on the flow of international students in Australia.”
International students accounted for 78 per cent of Sydney University student fee revenue in 2022,and 48 per cent of the institution’s total revenue.
It takes in more money from foreign students than any other university in the country,at more than $1.4 billion in fees last year. Its closest NSW rival for foreign students,University of NSW,took in about $700 million less last year.
Scott says universities have become increasingly reliant on international student money due to alack of government and business investment in research.
“The only way top Australian universities have been able to make the investments necessary for their research achievements is because of international students,so they are important,” he said.