Poaching international students? A study of an Australian university with metropolitan campuses

International higher education is the third largest export industry in Australia. Student attrition an area of concern institutions. Most research undertaken so far has focused on domestic student Australia and globally. This study focuses Australian university to examine causes international students' after their first year study. It reveals that since 2018, growing numbers students have withdrawn from subject at metropolitan campus enrol private colleges attracted by lower tuition fees for similar degree qualifications. The paper raises questions about role agents such mobility risks related academic standards quality colleges. also competitiveness universities not sufficiently considered personal needs students.