International students in Australia are facing a silent crisis, and it’s not just about academics. Imagine surviving on rice and tinned tuna for a year just to make ends meet. This was the reality for Alipriya Biswas, a 21-year-old journalism student from India, who arrived in Melbourne with no support network and barely enough money to get by. Her story isn’t unique—it’s a stark reminder of the financial struggles many international students endure, despite the common misconception that they come from wealthy backgrounds. But here’s where it gets controversial: While international students are often blamed for driving up Australia’s cost of living, experts say they’re not the culprits behind rising rents and inflation. So, who’s really to blame? And why are these students still struggling?
Alipriya’s experience highlights a deeper issue. Despite proving she had access to $30,000 for living costs—a requirement for her visa—her family could only send small amounts after she arrived. She spent her first night without a bedsheet and eventually took on a bartending job to survive. And this is the part most people miss: Many international students are expected to fund their own living expenses, even if their families are already stretching to pay tuition fees. According to a 2020 report, 36% of international students rely on paid work as their main income, with that number soaring to 78% for students from low-income countries. But with strict visa rules limiting them to just 48 hours of work per fortnight, is it any wonder they’re struggling?
Professor Alan Morris from the University of Technology Sydney paints a grim picture: ‘There’s a lot of suffering out there… an enormous amount of stress and anxiety.’ He notes that one in five international students were skipping meals in 2020 due to financial hardship. But here’s the kicker: Simply allowing students to work more hours isn’t the solution. Experts warn it could harm their academic performance, leaving them in a lose-lose situation. So, what’s the answer?
Take My Huynh Ngoc Giang, a 21-year-old IT student from Vietnam, who was blindsided by Melbourne’s soaring housing costs. ‘The rental market is so competitive,’ she says. ‘International students don’t stand a chance without rental history.’ After months of searching, she settled for a tiny, overpriced student accommodation before finding a cheaper share house—but even that came with trade-offs like long commutes and safety concerns. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could Australia adopt innovative solutions like Canada’s intergenerational housing programs, where students live with older adults in exchange for help around the house? It’s a win-win, but are universities willing to think outside the box?
While Australia remains attractive for its post-study work opportunities and partner visas, the cost-of-living crisis is forcing students to adapt. Some, like My Huynh, are learning new skills like cooking to save money, while others are relying on late-night supermarket discounts. But is this enough? The Australian government insists students must prove financial stability before arrival, but critics argue this excludes many deserving candidates. Here’s a controversial take: Are these visa requirements fair, or are they perpetuating inequality?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: International students are not just numbers—they’re individuals fighting to build a future. What do you think? Are Australia’s policies helping or hindering these students? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could lead to real change.
