KordaMentha's 2025 Higher Education Report reveals a sector under pressure and on the brink of transformation.
Drawing on analysis of 30 university annual reports and a national survey of COOs and CFOs, KordaMentha's 2025 Higher Education report highlights mounting financial strain, policy shifts, and the urgent need for strategic agility.
University debt has risen 44% since 2019, while cash reserves have dropped 41% since 2021. Twenty institutions now report liquidity concerns, and twelve are underinvesting in infrastructure.
At the same time, government reforms including enrolment caps and new visa directives are reshaping the revenue landscape. International student income surged in 2024, but future growth will be tightly managed. Domestic demand remains flat, and the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) will oversee a more centralised funding model from 2027.
Our report outlines key actions for university leaders, including cost optimisation, digital transformation, and smarter asset use. It also identifies three distinct institutional segments based on exposure to international revenue and enrolment caps, each requiring tailored strategies.
Whether your institution is navigating capped growth, financial
sustainability, or digital disruption, this report provides the
insights needed to plan ahead.
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