The National Tertiary Education Union has urged the Coalition to reveal how many international students it would slash from Australian universities as part of its latest anti-immigration posture.
Liberal leader Angus Taylor used his budget reply speech on Thursday night to pledge an elected Coalition government would dramatically cut migration numbers by tying them to the number of new homes built.
Based on last financial year's figure that would cut net overseas migration to around 175,000 - a cut of about 40 per cent.
NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes said it was clear this would have a major impact on universities.
"The devil is in the lack of detail. It's a potential nightmare for universities," Dr Barnes said.
"It's obvious that a migration cut of that magnitude would mean going after international students, who make up a third of net overseas migration.
"Fewer international students won't fix the housing crisis.
"More often than not they're living in accommodation like extra bedrooms, on campuses or other rooms that locals don't want to or can't live in.
"We know from the last time international students were made a political football that vice-chancellors will use any cut to numbers as an excuse to go after university jobs.
"Viewing international students purely through the prism of revenue completely ignores the rich cultural exchange they bring to our campuses and closer ties they create with countries in our region."
Mr Taylor's budget reply speech failed to outline any major higher education policies.
"Voters deserve to know what the alternative government would do for universities and the staff, students and communities that rely on them," Dr Barnes said.
"Sadly, the opposition leader is more interested in aping Pauline Hanson than setting out a vision for higher education.
"All sides of politics should rule out going after international students and commit to measures that properly fund universities so they can provide the world-class teaching and research we need."
