A new report will challenge Australian universities to radically rethink how they engage with international students—urging a shift from viewing them as “cash cows” to recognising them as valued members of the academic and social community.
When my co-author Olga Cherniak and I began exploring international student experiences in Australian universities, we were responding to a sector still reeling from COVID-19: staff cuts, department closures, and a rapid influx of returning students in late 2022 and early 2023.
We wanted to know: how were students navigating this changed landscape? And how were universities responding, not just logistically, but culturally?
What began as a modest inquiry grew quickly. But our aim remained clear: to amplify international student voices and understand their lived experience in Australia.
The result is our new report, From Cash Cows to Valued Voices, a participatory study involving over 150 international students and alumni. What they shared was powerful, and at times confronting.
Treated as Revenue, Not Community
A core theme that came up again and again, was the feeling amongst international students of being valued more for their financial input than for their cultural and social contributions. Many described being treated as “economic units,” excluded from class discussions, group work, or viewed through stereotypes.
Representation and Belonging
Students also wanted meaningful input in decisions affecting them. While orientation programs were generally well-received, support often dropped off after that first week—leaving students feeling isolated and unsure how to navigate campus and life in Australia long-term.
What Needs to Change: Our Recommendations
International students aren’t a monolith, but they consistently told us they want to be seen, supported, and included. We identified eight priorities:
- Communicate What’s Available – Clearly and Often
Many students assume services such as financial aid, counselling and academic support, aren’t for them. Regular, multilingual communication is needed to make clear that support is available to all students, and more opportunities must be made available for everyone.
- Bring the Community onto Campus
Support doesn’t stop at campus gates. Universities should partner with local organisations – councils, libraries, legal clinics, food pantries, multicultural centres – to offer pop-up services and build culturally relevant community connections.
- Create an International Student Advisory Committee
Students need formal representation. A standing committee of elected international students, supported by a staff liaison, should regularly engage with university leadership to share feedback and co-design solutions.
- Make Support Services Accessible and Culturally Safe
Support won’t be used if it’s hard to access or doesn’t feel safe. Services must be easy to find, culturally competent, and tailored so students feel welcome and understood.
- Address Specific, Practical Needs
Students identified clear gaps:
- Clearer housing information and support
- Food assistance
- Life skills workshops (e.g., cooking, budgeting)
- Free social events
- Cultural celebrations
- Better integration for off-campus students
- These basics go a long way toward wellbeing and connection.
- Demystify the Complaints Process
Many students don’t understand how to raise concerns, or fear consequences if they do. Universities must clearly explain complaint processes, ensure cultural safety, and demonstrate that feedback is welcomed and acted on.
- Centre the International Student Experience
International students enrich campus life. Their experience should be a strategic priority, embedded in planning, partnerships, and institutional values, not tacked on as an afterthought.
- Strengthen Employment and Post-Study Pathways
Work and career support is still lacking. Universities, government, and industry must expand opportunities for internships, mentoring, and post-study employment – because when international students thrive, so do we.
A Shift in Mindset
Ultimately, this is a call for a new mindset. If we’re serious about moving beyond the “cash cow” narrative, we must ask: what would it look like if we truly recognised international students as equal contributors, co-creators, and community members?
This isn’t about more programs. It’s about rethinking how international students are included, supported, and celebrated.
We have the insights. What’s needed now is the will.
From Cash Cows to Valued Voices: Rethinking Australia’s Treatment of International Students will be officially launched at three events in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Each event will feature a presentation from the report’s authors, student panels, and key discussions on the way forward.
Melbourne Launch (in partnership with the City of Melbourne): 6 August – details here.
Sydney Launch (in partnership with SUPRA, and support from NSWISRC): 10 September – details here.
Brisbane Launch: 30 October – details to come.
Cate Gilpin is the Welcoming Universities Coordinator at Welcoming Australia. Welcoming Universities is an initiative to inspire and support Australian universities to embed welcoming, inclusion and belonging for students, staff and community members from all backgrounds.
