A review by Fairfax Media of annual reports for universities across Australia found the highest paid vice-chancellor, the University of Sydney’s Michael Spence, took home $1.445 million in pay and benefits.

CSU vice-chancellor Andrew Vann’s total remuneration was $757,000 – the third-lowest in the review and below the national average of $970,739.

According to CSU’s annual report, Mr Vann earned a base salary of $544,020 last year, along with a $81,883 bonus, a $13,679 motor vehicle allowance, $94,809 in superannuation and $23,400 for accommodation.

The total value of Mr Vann’s remuneration increased by more than 1.6 per cent from 2016.

However, vice-chancellors at some of Australia’s saw pay rises in excess of $100,000 during the same time period.

A CSU spokesperson said Mr Vann was away from work and unable to comment.

CSU’s combined remuneration for all senior executive staff is about one per cent of the institution’s total employee budget.