Australian universities are scrambling to protect the credibility of their degrees as a massive surge in students using generative artificial intelligence triggers accusations of a panicked response from academics. A survey from 2025 revealed that nearly 79% of secondary and tertiary students in Australia use generative AI, forcing institutions to rethink how they assess student learning.
At the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, proposed changes to assessments have sparked a heated debate. The university has suggested classifying exams and assignments as either "secure"—meaning completely free from the risk of AI cheating—or "insecure." Another proposal would require students to declare exactly how and when they used AI tools in their work.
However, some staff members argue the plans are reactionary. One ANU academic, speaking anonymously, described the university's proposals as a "hysterical response" that was not based on earnest consultation. They warned that rushed policies, such as forcing students back to in-person exams, could reverse progress made in supporting students with disabilities or caring responsibilities. Teaching staff also complain about a lack of time and training to implement the changes before the next semester starts.
Other universities have already faced backlash for similar measures. The University of Queensland, which began categorizing assessments as either "secure" or "open" earlier this year, was criticized for scheduling in-person oral exams late at night and during weekends to handle the volume of testing. Meanwhile, the University of Melbourne is also shifting toward interactive oral examinations to verify students' knowledge directly.
Despite the controversies, supporters of the strict new measures argue that educational standards must be preserved. Will Bateman, an ANU law professor researching AI regulation, warned that ignoring the issue poses a national threat. Without strict controls, Bateman argued, Australia is in danger of "shipping our national intellectual capability" to tech companies in California and China.
While the head of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Barney Glover, acknowledged the challenge, he expressed confidence that the country's tertiary education system would adapt, provided universities act responsibly when implementing reforms.