The University of Melbourne has raised international tuition fees by an average of 7% - up to 15%, far above Australia’s 3.8% inflation rate. This decision was made without consultation with international students.

International undergraduates already pay an average of $51,744 per year. Many self-fund their degrees while working multiple insecure jobs alongside full time study. Across Australia, 50% of international students face food insecurity, 81% struggle with housing affordability, and 5% live below the poverty line. The pressure is harming students’ wellbeing, with 31–54% reporting acute stress, the hike has forced some students to drop subjects in order to pick up more work. This hike adds thousands of dollars to an already crushing burden.

International students are sick of being exploited by Melbourne University. Like any other student, international students deserve a fair and welcoming education - not to be treated like a source of revenue. 

We Demand:

1. The immediate cancellation of all 2025-2026 fee increases
2. Place a formal cap upon tuition that does not exceed the national inflation rate
3. That university leadership hold an open public meeting to transparently explain the budget and justify the impact of the fee increase on students