Falling international student numbers create ‘massive problems’ for Australian universities, expert warns

Immigration debate and visa uncertainty is putting students off and increasing pressure on budgets

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University leaders warn they’re struggling to fill international student places due to visa uncertainty and heated political debate on immigration, with regional areas hit the hardest and concern that financial deficits could affect domestic students.

The latest numbers from the Department of Education in October show on average universities are filling just two-thirds of their allocated places, and just five public universities have reached more than 80% capacity, all in capital cities.