The University of Wollongong experienced a slight downward trend in enrolments despite an increase in applications and offers in 2018.
But this was to a lesser extent than that shown in recently released national data.
As indicated in Universities Australia national statistics, tightening market conditions across the sector was a contributing factor.
But a UOW spokesman said the university avoided following the national trend mainly thanks to the growth of its South Western Sydney Campus.
“UOW had a positive response to courses being offered at South Western Sydney Campus, which have been chosen to reflect the needs and interests of the local community. This strong interest is expected to continue,” he said.
Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said applications to universities from students from all equity groups – and poorer households especially – had also fallen and this was a sad reversal of good progress made in previous years.
“Schemes like the flagship equity program HEPPP (Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program) must be protected,” she said.
The number of applications from Indigenous Australians also fell by 5.2 per cent in 2018 – the first recorded fall after growth every single year since 2010.
But that wasn’t the case at UOW.
The university has seen “significant growth” in its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) student cohort over the last three years, with more ATSI students commencing in 2018 than in the previous year.
“UOW also saw strong interest from international students looking to study in Australia and that trend is continuing,” the spokesman said.
