$200 a week and tinned fish: Cost of living hits international students

News Brief: International Students’ Financial Struggles in Australia

Summary

International students in Australia are facing severe financial hardship and stress due to the high cost of living, with many struggling to afford basic necessities despite visa requirements to prove sufficient funds. Experts warn there is no simple solution, as increasing work hours could harm studies, and raising required savings could block opportunities.

Key Points

  • Widespread Hardship: Students report skipping meals, living on minimal food, and facing immense stress to afford rent and living costs.
  • Work Limitations: Student visas restrict work to 48 hours per fortnight, and income often fails to cover expenses, especially for those from low-income families.
  • Housing Crisis: The competitive rental market leaves international students vulnerable, with some paying high prices for tiny accommodations.
  • No Easy Fix: Experts caution that simply increasing work hours or visa savings requirements creates new problems; innovative housing and support solutions are needed.
  • Adaptation & Appeal: Despite the challenges, Australia remains attractive for its post-study work options, and students are learning cost-saving skills like cooking.

新闻简报:国际学生在澳大利亚面临生活成本压力

摘要

在澳大利亚的国际学生因高昂的生活成本而面临严重的经济困难和压力,尽管签证要求他们证明有足够的资金,但许多人仍难以负担基本生活开支。专家警告称没有简单的解决方案,因为增加工作时间可能会影响学业,而提高所需的储蓄金额可能会阻断一些学生的机会。

关键点

  • 普遍的困难:学生们报告称需要节食、靠最基础的食物维生,并为支付房租和生活费用承受巨大压力。
  • 工作限制:学生签证限制每两周工作时间不得超过48小时,且工作收入往往不足以支付开销,对来自低收入家庭的学生尤其如此。
  • 住房危机:竞争激烈的租赁市场使国际学生处境艰难,有些人支付高昂价格却只能住在狭小空间。
  • 无简易解决方案:专家警告,单纯增加工作时间或提高签证储蓄要求会带来新问题;需要创新的住房和支持方案。
  • 适应与吸引力:尽管存在挑战,澳大利亚因其毕业后工作权利等因素仍具吸引力,学生们也在学习烹饪等节省成本的技能。

Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-09/international-students-struggle-with-costs-in-australia/105815354

Scroll to Top