Released on 24 March 2025, 2024 State of Student Healthcare Report by Allianz Partners Australia surveyed over two thousand international students to explore the issues impacting them.
If you’re feeling the strain of living away from home, you’re not alone! Rising costs of living, financial pressures and mental health issues are common challenges affecting students’ wellbeing. There are plenty of positives to take away from the report, too, with 75.5 per cent of students saying they are satisfied overall with living in Australia – great news!
Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaways from the 2024 State of Student Healthcare Report, and how you can find support if you’re facing some of these issues too.
Rising cost of living
One of the biggest concerns in the report is the financial pressure on international students. Many students surveyed say they are struggling to afford everyday expenses, with less than one in five saying they feel financially secure. The cost of housing is a major issue, according to the report, with 81 per cent of international students finding it difficult to afford rent. Many students mention they have had to cut back on essentials like fresh fruit and vegetables.
The report found that:
- 61.7 per cent of students say the cost of living is higher than they expected.
- 56.6 per cent of students are finding it harder than expected to find work, making it difficult to cover rent, food, and study costs.
- Some students have had to give up healthcare, including mental health support, because they cannot afford it.
If you’re feeling the cost-of-living strain, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your education provider may offer financial support and help with budgeting, as well as scholarships, which may ease the burden of tuition fees. If you have joined a student union, they may also be able to help with financial advice and support. Each state and territory in Australia also has its own study body who are here to support international students. They may also be able to offer advice on steps forward.
- StudyAdelaide
- Study Queensland
- Study NSW (New South Wales)
- Study Canberra
- Study Melbourne
- Study NT (Northern Territory)
- StudyPerth
- Study Tasmania
Mental health and general well-being
Moving to a new country and adjusting to a different culture can be difficult. While 81.6 per cent of students rated their own mental health as either good, very good or excellent, Allianz reports that many students still face challenges with anxiety, nervousness, body image and difficulty concentrating.
- 41 per cent of students said they have a mental health condition, but only one in five sought help. Cultural stigma and concerns about social judgment are common barriers to international students seeking mental health support.
- 37 per cent of students report not feeling refreshed even after a good night’s sleep (7-8 hours).
- Financial stress can make it harder to afford mental health support and access to healthy food and gym memberships.
How to find support
If you are facing challenges with your finances, health or relationships, there are ways to make things easier. Speaking with a trusted friend or advisor is the first step – sharing your feelings may seem scary, but you might find it takes a weight off your shoulders. Other places to look for help:
- Your university may offer budgeting advice, emergency financial assistance or help with finding part-time work, as well as information on scholarships or paying your tuition in installments.
- For housing support and finding affordable accommodation, speak to your university housing office. To bring weekly costs down, consider looking for a room in a share house.
- If you are struggling with your mental health, check out your education provider’s free counselling services and make time for activities that help you relax and feel at home. Otherwise, speak to a GP about getting a Mental Health Care Plan. From there, they may be able to refer you to a psychologist. Some of the costs associated with this will be covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
