The University of Melbourne received the worst ranking in Australia from students about freedom of expression.

A recent report summarising the results of this question in the QILT Student Experience Survey slams the University based on responses from both domestic undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

Against this backdrop, UMSU is disappointed by the University’s recent decision to retain its rule restricting student protests on campus in its current form. Brought into effect March 2025 with no consultation, the University finally agreed to consult a year later after strident opposition from UMSU and human rights organisations, but has announced that nothing will change. This raises serious concerns about whether the University meaningfully engaged with the feedback provided by students. 

UMSU remains committed to advocating for a University that protects freedom of expression and upholds the right to peaceful protest, as part of promoting a safe and inclusive culture. Consultation with students at the University of Melbourne should and must be genuine and met with action.

Recent media about freedom of expression on campus comes at a time when the University is facing broader questions about its standing and student experience. In the latest QS World University Rankings, the University of Melbourne fell from 19th to 22nd globally and is no longer Australia's highest-ranked university. 

While international rankings are influenced by many factors, they serve as a reminder that academic excellence alone is insufficient, and that student voices should be at the heart of University decisions about campus life.