Murdoch 'proud to be a global university' amid heat on international students

Saturday 11 May 2019
Murdoch University has sent an email to students saying it is “proud” to be a global university and refuting the claims made by ABC's Four Corners earlier this week
Murdoch 'proud to be a global university' amid heat on international students

Students voiced their concerns about the report, which claimed Murdoch University may have circumvented admission requirements in order to attract more international students.


Four Corners reported Murdoch’s Perth campus had seen a 92 per cent jump in international students between 2017 and 2018, and staff had raised concerns in internal emails about declining English literacy and increasing cases of academic misconduct.

Students who spoke to WAtoday said they believed their degree could be worthless following the revelations, and they would have chosen their university differently if they were aware of the practice.


When asked by WAtoday for comment on what the university was doing to support its students in the wake of the Four Corners report, the university did not respond.

But in an email sent to students on Thursday, vice chancellor Eeva Leinonen refuted the claims made by Four Corners and doubled down on the university’s position as a global educator.

“You may be aware of the ABC Four Corners program this week regarding international education at Murdoch University. It is upsetting for all of us to hear what has been said,” she wrote.

“I want you to know that, as a university, we refute the claims made by the ABC. I understand the concerns some of you have raised and I want to assure you that an education from Murdoch is highly valued.

“In 2018, Murdoch was ranked number one in Australia for graduate employability. Employers value the knowledge and skills that you have learnt at Murdoch University.

“We are committed to you and your education. We want you to succeed and be proud of being a Murdoch student and a member of our future alumni. I am proud that Murdoch is a global university. This is a principle embedded in our very foundations.

“I was once an international student myself.

“I truly believe that a diversity of backgrounds and nations is a good thing. Having students from around the world at Murdoch plays a valuable role in campus life, enriching the learning and experience of university for all of us.”

Ms Leinonen listed Studiosity support – a 24/7 online resource for students to seek advice, feedback and support from graduates in their course – as well as English Language Acceleration Series, extra units for undergraduate and postgraduate students to improve communication skills and workshop lessons with a focus on wellbeing.

“The university recognises it can continue to improve, therefore we encourage you to share your thoughts with us on what we can do to assist you to reach your goals,” she wrote.

“Please email your feedback ... and we will respond. We appreciate your support in making Murdoch even better – the very best university it can be for all of us.”

According to the Campus Morning Mail, she also wrote to staff on Wednesday again claiming Murdoch had not built its surplus by enrolling international students, and it had not lowered its entry standards.

“I understand that the kind of media coverage we have received this week can be distracting. However, the real story is positive,” she wrote.

The university held a senate meeting with its senior personnel on Wednesday evening. It is not known what was discussed during the meeting.

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