THE writer named as Australia’s top higher education journalist

Times Higher Education’s John Ross has been named Australian higher education journalist of the year at a presentation ceremony at the National Press Club in Canberra.

Mr Ross, who was recently appointed THE’s Asia-Pacific editor, claimed the award for a series of articles published by The Australian newspaper. They analysed the extent to which the country’s universities had become financially dependent on tuition fees from Chinese students. 

It is the second time that Mr Ross has won the award. The independent judging panel commended him on “providing startling facts about the extent to which the Australian university sector is underpinned by students from China and their fees”. 

“It’s an issue that’s been developing over a number of years but is in sharp focus right now because of our sometimes prickly relationship with the Chinese government – highlighted by the Chinese government’s recent warning to students about studying in Australia,” the panel said.

Mr Ross also claimed the award for excellence in communicating knowledge of the university sector, for the fourth time. The awards are presented each year by representative organisation Universities Australia during its annual conference.