No matter where in the world we come from, laughter is a universal language that connects us all.
Whether it’s filling in time on public transport with a YouTube binge session of stand-up highlights, or heading out for a night at a live comedy show with friends, it’s definitely no secret that a good laugh leads to better emotional well-being, connection with peers and stress relief – all things that, as an international student, should be on your radar!
With the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Canberra Comedy Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival – just to name a few! – all happening in the coming months, here are some of our favourite Aussie comics for you to check out as an international student.
Aditya Gautum
Born in Noida, India, Aditya Gautum is a Melbourne-based stand-up comedian and author. Much of his comedy is based around hard-hitting topics such as sex education, or the lack of, in his home country, and racial discrimination. He uses comedy as a way to share the truths of life, including its hardships and inequities. One of his most popular sketches online is his ‘argument’ with a supermarket checkout person, based around grocery inflation after COVID – something we can all relate to.
Check out Aditya’s website for details on upcoming shows.
Brown Women Comedy
Brown Women Comedy is a lineup of six Indian and South Asian Australian women who are tackling taboos, family expectations, and life as a brown woman navigating a white man’s world through laughter and storytelling.
This exciting group have shows coming up in Melbourne and Sydney in April, as well as regional areas in June and July. Check out Brown Women Comedy for more information.
Michael Hing
Born in Australia to Chinese Australian parents, Michael Hing is a big name in Australian comedy. He has appeared as a television and radio host, starred in TV shows, and co-hosts the biggest Dungeons and Dragons podcast, The Dragon Friends, so if gaming is your thing make sure you check them out!
Michael is performing across Australia in 2025, but also keep an eye out for tickets to The Dragon Friends — Live D&D Podcast and Show.
He Huang
Born in China, He Huang moved to Australia in 2019 and competed in the 2022 series of Australia’s Got Talent. Instantly having the audience rolling with her dry and detached style, she catches you off guard with witty one-liners and hard truths.
She’s going on tour in 2025 across Australia and New Zealand from April – explore her upcoming shows here.
Steph Tisdell
Growing up in Brisbane, Steph Tisdell is a proud Yidinji woman. She got her big break in 2014 when she won the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Comedy competition, which is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians. Her interest in politics initially took her towards a law career, but she quickly pivoted and now uses her passion for social justice to challenge harmful stereotypes in a uniquely hilarious way.
Keep an eye on Steph’s website for upcoming tour dates.
Buying tickets as an international student
Remember that with your student card, you may be eligible for discounted student or concession tickets to shows across Australia.
