Navigating Australia’s healthcare system can be confusing when you first arrive, especially when you’re dealing with unfamiliar services, costs and terminology. A new resource is aiming to make getting help a little easier for international students.
Safe Down Under is a new website and app designed by international students, for international students. The initiative aims to connect students with low-cost, culturally appropriate healthcare services, with a particular focus on mental and sexual health.
The project is being led by international student support organisation AusWISE, with support from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.
Why has Safe Down Under been created?
According to SBS News, international students involved in developing the platform said concerns about cost, confusion about where to seek treatment and cultural stigma can prevent students from accessing healthcare when they need it.
One survey referenced by SBS found that as many as 60% of international students fear the cost of healthcare. Students may also be unsure about what their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) pays for or which service they should visit.
Mental and sexual health can create additional barriers. Some students may come from cultures where discussing these topics is uncommon or considered taboo, making it harder to ask questions or seek professional support.
Making it easier to find support
Safe Down Under aims to remove some of this uncertainty by directing students towards affordable and culturally safe services.
It also provides information designed to address misconceptions around sexual and mental healthcare. For example, SBS reports that some students worry that the results of sexual health tests could be shared with immigration authorities or affect their student visa. Health professionals involved in the initiative emphasise that sexual health testing is confidential.
The resource is particularly relevant for students who have recently arrived and are still learning how Australia's healthcare system works.
And remember: if you’re unsure where to go for medical or wellbeing support, your university or education provider can also help point you towards appropriate services. Australia also has a range of safety and support resources specifically for international students through Study Australia.
