As the international student cohort in Australian universities shrinks and border policy continues to turn prospective new students away, the sector may experience a heavier loss this year than last, a report says. An analysis by S&P Global, which forecasts the future of the higher education sector, has said that the impact of the decreasing  international enrolment numbers, political tensions, and more is causing a significant issue for the sector. “Our overall sector view remains negative,” the report said, but also noted universities had responded swiftly to the unforeseen circumstances of 2020. Universities Australia, the peak body for the higher education industry, revealed last year that the sector lost at least $1.8 billion (US$1.4 billion) in revenue compared to 2019 and estimated it would lose a further $2 billion this year. “Because tertiary degrees are usually at least two years in duration, a diminished cohort of commencements in one year will have …