Fewer than 1 in 5 international students report they are financially secure, according to the findings of the Allianz Partners Australia State of Student Healthcare Report (2024). The Report also highlights other financial challenges faced by international students, with 62 per cent finding the cost of living was significantly more than they expected and many underestimating the difficult of finding suitable work.
Now in its second year, the State of Student Healthcare Report takes an in-depth look into the factors that impact the wellbeing of over 2000 international students attending Australian universities, private education institutions, and English language colleges.
The report, prepared by The Voyage Group, found that there was a significant gap between international students’ perceived knowledge and the practical approach they take to managing the key aspects of life in Australia.
“International students bring so much to Australia—economically, culturally, and socially. But they are also facing a more complex and challenging environment than ever before,” said Chris McHugh, Chief Executive Officer at Allianz Partners Australia.
On-arrival programs are inadequate for addressing the ongoing gap between perceived and actual understanding, with students frequently rely on offshore support networks for information, leading to ineffective or mis information.
Other findings of the report show that Australia’s healthcare system is confusing to navigate, with one third of students admitting they would not know how to seek appropriate medical treatment in a life-threatening emergency. Students are also worried about out-of-pocket expenses when accessing healthcare.
“Proposed migration caps, financial pressures, and mental health challenges are shaping their experience. This report not only highlights these challenges but also gives us a better understanding from which we can deliver more targeted and effective support for this vital community,” said McHugh.
The report identifies opportunities for more tailored support for international students throughout the student journey:
A one-time approach to education has proven insufficient, as foundational topics—particularly in areas like healthcare access in Australia—must be revisited and reinforced throughout the student journey to address the ongoing gap between perceived and actual understanding.
Despite the challenges identified, there are positives in the report findings, including 75 per cent of students reporting they are satisfied with living in Australia. Most international students (87%) rate their health as good to excellent and a significant proportion (72%) say they are managing their course load effectively and have a good understanding of student requirements.
The full report is available online here.
