As Australia’s international student population keeps climbing past one million, the struggles of these students are beginning to make headlines. Samreen Tanveer is a recent high school graduate, currently residing in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Koushik Mukherjee Indian Bachelor of Business Together, they are the embodiment of the struggles that most international students go through today. As of 2024, international students account for 24 percent of all enrolments at RMIT University. This increase underscores a critical need for systems of support that address mental health, discrimination, and social inclusion.
Tanveer’s path to Australia started with the chaos in her native Afghanistan. Last year, she went through a communications blackout and curfew with protests occurring in the streets of Bangladesh. Hoping for more opportunities, she moved to Sydney only to realize she was daunted by the need to adapt to the cultural shock and social exclusion. Mukherjee wholeheartedly agreed and opened up about the isolation he experienced during his first few months in Australia. Now looking back on their experiences as students, both students emphasize the importance of developing more structured support systems for international students.
International students constantly deal with unique challenges such as financial instability, unstable housing situations, and social exclusion. Gaby Ramia, professor of policy and society at the University of Sydney, emphasizes that campuses are failing to serve the mental health needs of students. Based on Ramia’s recent 2023 report, international students have poorer mental health results than that of their domestic peers.
The Mental Health Crisis Among International Students
Recent data shows these trends have become increasingly alarming when it comes to the mental health of international students. From only overlooking the state of Victoria, 47 international students took their lives between the years of 2009 and 2019. Yet this one statistic underscores a much larger issue. Students separated from their support networks and familiar environments can experience major mental health obstacles.
Dr Jo Cassidy, associate director of RMIT’s student wellbeing hub, painted a picture of the many barriers these students encounter.
“They’re at greater risk of exploitation in their part-time employment, greater risk of precarious and exploitative housing conditions, financial insecurity, food poverty, racism and discrimination.” – Dr Gaby Ramia
Add to this the profound impact of global events on their experience and it creates a perfect storm. Cassidy’s comments contextualized how international students can be particularly vulnerable to crises occurring not only in their country of origin, but in Australia as well.
“All of our systems — banking systems, the way that we work — are very different. So navigating all of those things can be really difficult,” – Jo Cassidy
The need for action is clear. Ramia advocates for universities to collaborate with various organizations to provide integrated services addressing not just mental health but housing and financial security.
“And then there’s global events that happen within their own countries and within our country.” – Jo Cassidy
Social integration is another major challenge international students face. Many are reporting experiences of discrimination, racism, as soon as they arrive in Australia. According to a recent survey, more than 50 percent of international students had a positive experience. Incidents of physical or verbal abuse and sexual harassment were even higher for female students.
“What we’re recommending … is for universities to come together with other organisations that provide services in terms of mental health, but also allied services [to assist with] housing, broader health and, in particular, financial insecurity.” – Dr Gaby Ramia
Social Integration and Cultural Challenges
Tanveer called her experience moving through the Australian rental market “daunting”. The challenges and stigma associated with obtaining stable housing are isolating and can worsen mental health conditions.
Mukherjee readily admits that these challenges have loomed large over his research. He pointed out that aspects like precarious employment play a key role in creating and exacerbating mental distress among international students.
“Being away from my family and friends was tough, especially in the beginning. It was hard not having the usual support network that I was so used to.” – Samreen Tanveer
Though carrying great burdens, both Tanveer and Mukherjee have shared how they’ve survived and thrived on the other side of these experiences. Tanveer shared her experiences since moving to Australia.
“[Lack of] job security, along with loneliness, do contribute towards that extra bit of mental stress. And right now you can also add the housing crisis in there.” – Koushik Mukherjee
She attributes her experience in Australia to gaining the resilience and ability to adapt.
“Looking back, I’ve grown a lot since arriving.” – Samreen Tanveer
As Australian universities continue to deal with these problems, the need for systemic change becomes more insistent. Unfortunately, both government policy and institutional practices tend to neglect the unique needs of international students, according to Ramia.
“I’ve learned to navigate new environments, take on new responsibilities and adapt to different situations, which has strengthened my character and shaped me into a better version of myself.” – Samreen Tanveer
The Path Forward for International Students
A shared commitment to provide an environment where international students can succeed both academically and socially will require a collaborative approach. This means investing in supportive systems for mental health care and autism services, improving access to affordable housing, and implementing programs that cut down on discrimination.
“They’re at a disadvantage both in terms of long-term policy and legal neglect by governments on both sides of politics.” – Dr Gaby Ramia
Students like Mukherjee are thankful for the warmth they’ve experienced in Australia.
Despite their challenges, students like Mukherjee express gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere they have found in Australia.
“I miss [home] … but I feel like Melbourne [and] RMIT has been so welcoming and [it’s] such a diverse place.” – Koushik Mukherjee
