Today’s announcement of 2026 international student allocations have brought some relief to regional universities.
Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Universities Network, Mr. Alec Webb, said that the increase from 2025 student allocations for 2026 would bring some additional certainty and relief to regional universities.
“Regional universities are now firmly on the long road of recovery with an allocation increase above the national level.
“We thank Minister Clare, and Assistant Minister Hill for hearing the concerns of regional universities, and for most importantly recognising the need and case of regional universities in increasing the student allocations for 2026,” said Mr. Webb.
Despite the increases, of the four Australian universities that have allocations in 2026 below their 2019 levels, all four are regional universities.
“Regional universities remain concerned that despite the increase, the level of the increases is far below what was sought and that some of the largest increases from 2019 to 2026 belong to large metropolitan universities.
“The Regional Universities Network look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with the Government to ensure that growth will continue to be allocated to regional universities to ensure Australia’s regions continue to receive the benefits from international education,” said Mr. Webb.
For media enquiries: Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736
