Sydney University will continue to “embrace” international students and the significant revenue they bring, but their effect on housing and social infrastructure should be debated widely, says incoming chancellor David Thodey.

Mr Thodey, the former Telstra chief executive who chairs private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care and accounting software provider Xero, will replace Belinda Hutchinson as chancellor when her 12-year stint – the maximum allowable – comes to an end in July.