Our universities don’t need more money, but instead a focus on the fundamentals

Covid-19 has forced Australian universities to face a harsh reality: the international students who pad their bank accounts aren’t coming this year. Only a few international students – including me — have chosen to stay and pursue our educations. Unsurprisingly, universities have been begging the government for more funding and special support. But the students would be better off if the government forced schools to tighten their belts and focus on what really matters — teaching. 

Sydney University acting vice-chancellor Stephen Garton stated, “If, as we all know, international students are funding a significant portion of the research in higher education — and let’s face it, universities do a very significant…