Choosing to study in Australia is a bold and exciting step for many international students who dream of building a brighter future through world-class education.
Australia is known for its world-class education, with top universities like the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, and the University of Sydney regularly ranking among the world’s top 100.
As of December 2024, international student enrolments in Australia reached 1,095,298, a 15% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019—marking a record high, with commencements up 12%, and 55% of students coming from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Despite Australia’s strong appeal as a study destination, many international students face a range of challenges that can make their journey far more difficult than expected.
Housing affordability
Australia’s housing crisis has become a heated topic in recent years, with soaring rental prices and limited supply putting pressure on residents across the country. Unfortunately, international students have increasingly found themselves at the centre of public frustration, unfairly portrayed as contributors to the crisis simply because of their presence.
In reality, international students make up just a small portion of the overall rental market—accounting for around 3% of Australia’s population, yet shouldering an outsized share of blame. Despite the criticism, international students make up only a small share of renters, and data shows rent hikes occurred even as student visa arrivals fell by 13% between 2019 and 2023.
These conditions not only affect their quality of life but also make it harder to focus on their studies and wellbeing—an unfair burden for those who came to Australia seeking opportunity and education.
Visa restrictions especially on workload
Navigating Australia’s complex visa conditions is another major source of stress for international students. While the student visa allows limited work hours—currently capped at 48 hours per fortnight during study periods—many students rely on part-time jobs to cover high living costs. This tight restriction leaves little room for error.
For students trying to plan their future, including staying in Australia after graduation under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), these shifting goalposts can feel like moving targets. The fear of making a minor mistake with major consequences looms large, adding emotional weight to the already demanding journey of studying abroad.
Exploitation in the workplace
To make ends meet, many international students take on part-time jobs in sectors like hospitality and food delivery—industries where wage theft is sadly all too common. Despite legal minimum wage requirements, countless students are paid below-award wages, denied penalty rates, or forced to work cash-in-hand without payslips.
One of the most high-profile wage theft cases in Australia involved 7-Eleven, where international students were systematically underpaid and coerced into falsifying timesheets. The scandal led to a government investigation and the company repaying over $150 million in unpaid wages, marking one of the largest wage theft settlements in Australian history.
This power imbalance, combined with limited knowledge of workplace rights and fear of retaliation, creates a system where exploitation thrives and accountability is rare.
Social isolation and loneliness
Being far from family, culture, and familiar support systems can take a significant emotional toll on international students. While Australia is proudly multicultural, with nearly 30% of its population born overseas, students still often struggle to form deep, meaningful connections—especially beyond the university environment.
A 2024 survey by Allianz found that over 55% of international students reported feelings of loneliness or social isolation during their studies.
For many, this is compounded by language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the pressure to succeed academically while navigating a foreign social landscape.
Linh, a student from Vietnam, shared that despite attending orientation events and joining clubs, she found it hard to feel a sense of belonging outside her small circle of co-nationals.
Cultural adjustment and racism
Culture shock is a real and often overlooked challenge for international students. From speaking up in class to navigating daily social norms, adjusting to life in Australia can be confusing and intimidating to newcomers who are not used to such lifestyle.
Culture shock can have a deep and lasting impact on international students, especially in their first months of settling into life in Australia. Many arrive full of excitement, only to find themselves overwhelmed by unfamiliar customs, communication styles, and social expectations.
In the classroom, students may struggle with the expectation to speak up, debate, or challenge ideas. This is omething that might be discouraged or unfamiliar in their home cultures. Outside of academics, even small daily interactions like making friends, understanding local slang, or navigating public spaces can become sources of stress.
These experiences, while often brushed off by others, can deeply impact a student’s sense of safety, identity, and belonging, making the journey of cultural integration all the more challenging.
Limited access to mental health support
While many Australian universities offer mental health services to support their students, these services are often stretched thin due to high demand and limited resources.
Counseling services are typically overwhelmed, with long waiting times and a lack of culturally appropriate care for international students.
International students in Australia face various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and gambling problems. Key factors affecting their wellbeing include loneliness, financial difficulties, discrimination, and struggles with cross-cultural adjustment, language barriers, and a sense of belonging at university.
For some, navigating the public healthcare system is a daunting task—especially with the Overseas Student Health Cover often covering only basic treatments. Additionally, language barriers and the stigma surrounding mental health in some cultures deter many students from seeking help.
Financial stress
Beyond tuition fees, which can already be significant, international students are burdened by the high living costs in major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne—cities that are consistently ranked among the most expensive in the world.
In Australia, international students pay significantly higher tuition fees than local students, as they are not eligible for government subsidies. While domestic students benefit from Commonwealth Supported Places, which reduce their costs, international students are required to cover the full tuition fees, which can range from $25,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the course.
In addition to this, fluctuating exchange rates can significantly increase the cost of living for students, especially those from countries with weaker currencies. Work hours are also restricted, with most student visas limiting international students to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, making it difficult for them to earn enough to cover expenses.
Transportation cost and safety
While cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer public transport systems, the reality for many international students is that these services come with significant drawbacks. Fares can be expensive, and routes are often crowded or unreliable, particularly during peak hours.
A study also revealed a “climate of fear” among students who take the public transport. A significant number of female students report feeling unsafe on public transport, with nearly half (45.1%) feeling unsafe after dark, compared to just 11.3% of men.
Many women (58.9%) take precautions to avoid potential victimisation, such as avoiding certain routes and stops, and nearly half (45.4%) avoid public transport altogether due to fear of being victimised.
Apparent lack of policy representation
Although international students contribute over $29 billion in 2022 to the Australian economy, their voices are often left out of key policy discussions. With more than 600,000 international students in the country, they play a crucial role in industries like education, hospitality, and retail.
While the Council of International Students Australia serves as the national peak body advocating for international students’ interests, its influence is limited compared to larger domestic student unions and government agencies. This disparity means that international students’ perspectives may not be adequately considered in national debates on issues such as visa policies, housing, and education reforms.
For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international students were left in limbo for months without adequate support, while locals received financial assistance.
In conclusion, despite the many challenges international students face in Australia—from housing stress and financial pressure to cultural adjustment and lack of representation—their resilience and determination continue to shine through.
These hurdles, while real, are not insurmountable. Students can get through these challenges by getting support, making friends, and standing up for themselves, helping them succeed in both their studies and personal life.
Australia remains a place of opportunity, and with the right resources and understanding, international students can overcome obstacles and build a successful future.