A plague on higher education? COVID, Camus and Culture Wars in Australian universities

Abstract

Worldwide, COVID-19 affected higher education, including finance, and international mobility. But some systems have been more affected than others; notably Anglophone systems that have been a preferred destination for a high proportion of international students. Australia presents a particularly interesting case. Particularly vulnerable to any significant downturn in international enrolments, given its high proportion of international students, and heavy dependence on their fees, the problem was exacerbated by growing US-China tensions, and resultant pressures on Australia and its universities. Culture Wars were also evident in the steadfast refusal of the national government to offer much financial support to the higher education sector, despite clear evidence of need arising from the COVID crisis. Using Culture War as analytic frame, the analysis explains and details these elements, as part of a case study of Australian higher education at a time of crisis. Beginning from an outline of international higher education before COVID, the article analyses key documents, data, and analysis regarding the pandemic, particularly the impact on universities in the face of declining international enrolments. Expected outcomes and impacts are summarised, and reflections are provided on the implications of the changes, for Australian higher education, and society, at least in the short-term future.