August 21, 2024
UOW welcomes international students because they make our city better
Opinion piece by Professor John Dewar AO, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President
This week we hosted our annual Welcome to Wollongong event, a heartwarming tradition where we welcome international students to their new home.
As I watched these bright-eyed newcomers explore our campus, I'm reminded of the value they bring to our community.
International students provide more than just an economic boost. They bring fresh perspectives, cultural richness and global connections that benefit us all. At UOW, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where students from over 199 countries thrive alongside their Australian peers.
The Illawarra has a proud history built on migration. In the post-war era, people from across Europe and beyond came to work in the steelworks and mines, bringing with them their languages, customs and cuisines. They helped shape Wollongong into the multicultural hub it is today. Our international students are the latest chapter in the story of cultural exchange.
However, this year's Welcome to Wollongong comes at a time when the international education sector is in a state of flux.
Recent Australian Government migration policy changes, aimed at driving down migration, have significantly reduced international student numbers at universities across Australia.
At UOW, we're feeling the impact, forecasting a $35 million revenue reduction this year alone. Since income from international full fee-paying students directly funds research and other critical activity at UOW, this is a serious concern.
This isn't just a university issue. Reports suggest that reverting to 2019 international student numbers could result in an $11.6 billion hit to Australia's economy in 2025, potentially tipping us into recession. To navigate these changes effectively, we need certainty and transparency from government. We're seeking urgent clarity on international student caps for 2025 and 2026, allowing us time to adjust our approach and rebuild our student pipeline.
Despite these challenges, UOW remains committed to providing world-class education and research, both onshore and through our global campuses. Most importantly, we'll keep telling everyone that international students are not just statistics - they're future leaders, innovators and community members. As we welcome them to Wollongong, let's remember the contribution they make to our university, our city and our nation.
This opinion piece was first published in the Illawarra Mercury.