Preparation for and responses to international student decline in fee-reliant higher education systems: The case of Australia and the UK
Preparation for and responses to international student decline in fee-reliant higher education systems: The case of Australia and the UK
The increasing reliance of higher education institutions on international student tuition fees has created a precarious financial landscape. This project investigates how these institutions, particularly in Australia and the UK, prepare for and respond to potential declines in international student numbers. The project seeks to provide valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators by examining system-level policies and institutional-level strategies.
Dr Hongzhi Zhang, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, and Georgiana Mihut, an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Studies and a higher education researcher, led this project. This collaboration leverages their expertise in higher education, international student mobility, and policy analysis. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the complex issues surrounding international student fees and their impact on higher education systems.
The research extends beyond disciplinary boundaries, incorporating insights from economics, sociology, education policy, and international relations. This transdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic understanding of the factors influencing international student enrollment and the potential consequences of fee-related challenges.
The project aims to address practical challenges higher education institutions face and provide actionable recommendations. The research will identify effective strategies for mitigating the risks associated with over-reliance on international student fees and ensuring the long-term sustainability of higher education systems by examining specific case studies in Australia and the UK.
The findings of this project will contribute to ongoing efforts to address the pressing global challenge of ensuring the financial sustainability of higher education systems. By providing valuable insights and recommendations, the project will help institutions and policymakers develop more resilient and equitable strategies for attracting and retaining international students. This will ultimately benefit students and society by promoting access to quality education and fostering cultural exchange.
Principle applicants
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Co-applicants
Monash University
Dr Philip Wing Keung Chan, School of Education, Culture & Society
University of Warwick
Dr Joana Filipa Cardoso Lopes de Almeida, Department of Applied Linguistics