International students account for 91% of serious misconduct cases at Sydney University

International students accounted for 91% of serious academic misconduct and fraud cases recorded by the University of Sydney in 2025, despite making up around 52% of its student population, according to an internal report released under freedom-of-information laws.

The report recorded 330 serious academic misconduct and fraud cases during the year. The incidents included forged documents, fake medical certificates and contract cheating, in which students pay or arrange for others to complete academic work on their behalf.

The university's business and arts faculties recorded the highest number of incidents. The report also highlighted concerns about organised contract-cheating services that exploit students' financial and social vulnerabilities. Some providers may resort to blackmail, extortion or coercion after students use their services.

The university recorded 1,001 penalties in 2025. These included 628 failing grades, 152 suspensions, 39 exclusions and three cases in which degrees were revoked.

Separately, it recorded nearly 3,000 suspected academic misconduct cases, including alleged misuse of generative artificial intelligence and examination breaches, along with 932 complaints relating to student behaviour. These figures cover a broader range of incidents and should not be confused with the 330 serious cases.

The report also noted a decline in serious misconduct cases from 1,007 in 2023 to 330 in 2025. However, it cautioned that the reduction could reflect changes in reporting and detection practices rather than a corresponding fall in misconduct.

In response to the concerns, the University of Sydney has established an Academic Integrity Taskforce bringing together expertise in cybersecurity, education and investigations. The initiative is intended to strengthen the institution's approach to detecting and addressing academic misconduct.

The findings come amid wider concerns among Australian universities about contract-cheating services and the growing use of technology to undermine assessment processes. Generative AI and wearable devices have added to the challenges of identifying unauthorised assistance during assignments and examinations.

The university's academic integrity procedures distinguish between minor breaches, major breaches and misconduct. More serious cases, including contract cheating, can be referred for formal investigation and disciplinary action.

The report's findings highlight the need for universities to strengthen academic integrity systems while ensuring that allegations are investigated fairly. The proportion of international students involved in the reported cases should not, by itself, be taken as evidence that international students generally engage in academic misconduct.