the big five have $37bn

In Features this morning Frank Larkins (Uni Melbourne) sets out the public university system’s wealth, and the way it grew in hard times.

“Significant strengthening of balance sheets for many universities has occurred. Any decreases in international student fee incomes have been more than compensated for by increases in other revenue streams,” Professor Larkins writes.

The big five research universities in particular have assets aplenty – over a third of the university system total.

Uni Melbourne leads with $10bn.

“Given the uncertain global environment for higher education, major challenges confront the sector to remain internationally competitive, especially in research and student recruitment. The recent track records provide confidence that Australia has a strong and resilient higher education sector to meet global challenges,” he concludes.