Full Universities Australia Logo Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board
    • History
    • Career Opportunities
  • Facts & Publications
    • Student Statistics
    • Staff Statistics
    • University & Funding Statistics
    • Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
    • Submissions
    • Teaching, Learning & Funding
    • Research & Innovation
    • International
    • Diversity & Equity
    • Safety & Wellbeing
    • Health
    • Copyright
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
    • University Profiles
    • Teaching Calendar
    • University Contacts
    • University Startup Hubs
    • Student Safety – Contacts
    • 2022 Floods
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact
Study in Australia
©2023

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Media Release 6 September 2017

RANKINGS HIGHLIGHT RISK OF UNI FUNDING CUTS

Australia's strong global university rankings face growing competition from a rising Chinese university system powered by Government investment, highlighting the dangers of a proposed $2.8 billion cut to university funding.

The rankings influence where international students choose to study – and our strong rankings in recent years have helped to generate a record $23 billion a year in export income for Australia.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said while Australia’s performance remained stellar compared with other nations, the latest rankings had some ominous signs.

“The strategy of investing heavily in higher education is paying off for a number of our Asian neighbours – with universities in mainland China and Hong Kong challenging the position of Australia’s universities in these rankings,” she said.

“This should be a warning sign. While global rankings have their limitations in what they tell us, there is no doubt they influence international students making decisions about where to study.”

“There is a bitter irony in these results being published as a further $2.8 billion cut to university funding is being proposed.”

“Coming on top of almost $4 billion that has been stripped from universities and their students over the past 6 years, the proposed further cuts would weaken Australia’s great university system.”

“Smart nations understand that public funding in universities is an investment in long-term national prosperity. Ultimately, they will be the winners in the fierce race for global opportunities.

“It’s clear that China is becoming a increasingly strong competitor – which the rankings analysts attribute to its ‘high and sustained levels of state funding’. Indeed, China is building the equivalent of almost a new university every week.”

Related Media

See All Media
media-item
Media Release
11 December 2023

A migration system for the future

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the Albanese Government’s migration strategy.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
6 December 2023

Thanks to ARC CEO Judi Zielke

On behalf of the sector, we are sad to see the news of Judi Zielke’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
5 December 2023

Education surges as other exports drop

Education added a further $12.1 billion to the economy in the September quarter as it continued its strong performance despite challenging conditions affecting other key export markets.

Read more
See All Media
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Popular Search Terms

  • Business & Community
  • Careers & Staffing
  • Indigenous
  • International
  • Resources & Regulation
  • Quality Assurance
  • Governance
  • Research
  • Students & Teaching
  • Student Income Support
  • Teaching Calendar
©2023
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Sign up

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
©2023
Universities Australia Logo


Australian Aboriginal Flag Flag of the Torres Strait Islanders

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Facts & Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact

Get in touch

  • 1 Geils Court
  • Deakin ACT 2600
  • T: +61 2 6285 8100

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
©2023
Legal
Study in Australia
Site Index