Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Melbourne, Sweta has faced challenges with her housing due to mold growth and water damage in her apartment which she shares with her flatmate.

After contacting her agent about the situation when she and her flatmate returned from their home country, the solution provided was extremely slow.  

Cleaning the noxious puddle of water was just a temporary solution to the issue of mold that was spreading on multiple areas around the apartment.

“We pay a hefty amount of rent to have a decent living; even then, if the minimal maintenance is not taken care of and we have to spend so much of our time and energy on these issues rather than studies and our goals, … then what’s the use?”

Being a hardworking and dedicated student, she further talks about how frequently and rapidly the living conditions within these months affected her physical health and the mental turmoil it caused, which in turn disrupted her rigorous study routine.

“Imagine, it took them one day to fix an issue that they kept on delaying for four months.”

However, the mold problem is still not completely resolved. Concerns by her friends and acquaintances who have witnessed this situation and urge her to move out. Pointing to the fact that the smell, which she has got used to is unbearable; she adds

“Even now, when my friends come over to hang out, the first thing that they mention is the horrendous smell as soon as the walk in the apartment.”

A significant amount of money goes towards the rent, yet basic utilities such as water, gas, laundry and Wi-Fi are not included – which is causes the whole living costs to soar. The question that arises here is, whether the owners or the agents would have stayed in the same conditions as Sweta and her flatmate do. Lack of solutions, delays and postponing something that should have been fixed immediately was not just inadequate but negligent. 

“I’ve seen people who pay less than I do, but they are living in worse conditions – overcrowded rooms or dealing with bad flatmates.”

This housing crisis affecting Sweta is a part of a broader issue facing students in Melbourne, where many are struggling to find safe, affordable, and well maintained housing. Sweta’s housing problems highlight growing concerns about the responsibility of property owners and agents and Melbourne’s rental market.

The unfairness of this situation expands even more with issues regarding breaking the lease to find a better place and not getting the bond back, despite the obvious nature of this current circumstance.

Waiting for the lease to end and finding another place that does not burn the pocket, justifies the rent, has more responsive owners and agents is truly a hassle, all while managing the load of her bachelor’s degree. Now, as Sweta faces the dilemma of choosing between substandard living conditions or moving towards cheaper place that may bring it’s own set of problems; she claims  “the whole process is frustrating and exhausting”.

*Name changed to protect identity.

Contributing Author: Aarushi Sharma, a Master’s student in Communications at Deakin University, specialises in Digital Media, Journalism, and Public Relations. She is currently a trainee journalist with The Australia Today.

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The escalating cost of living in Australia has Kaur and many more international students struggling to make ends meet, leading to mounting calls for reductions in tuition fees and travel expenses.

An exclusive look into the lives of these students reveals their financial challenges and their demands for more equitable treatment compared to domestic students.

Reflecting on her experience, Kaur says, “When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement and optimism about studying in Australia. However, the reality has been challenging. Accommodation is expensive and highly competitive.”

“I remember waiting all day just to view a single room, only to find dozens of others vying for the same space. The cost of living—rent, groceries, and public transport—has put a significant strain on my finances. I feel that there should be some financial relief, like travel subsidies or discounts, for international students.”

Kaur highlights the rise in public transport costs from around $3 to $5.50, noting that her travel expenses consume a considerable portion of her budget. She believes there should be greater concessions for international students to help mitigate these financial pressures.

Her brother, Agam, also voices concerns about the burden of travel expenses.

“It’s unfair that we have to bear these costs when we’re already paying high fees to study here,” he argues.

Agam’s frustration extends to the job market; despite applying for over 200 positions, he has only received responses from 70, with just three leading to interviews.

“Employers often require experience, but how can we gain it without initial opportunities? There needs to be more equality in the job market for international students.”

Rabina Shrestha, a student from Nepal, works 20 hours a week and lives with supportive family members. She shares, “I’m grateful for my brother and sister-in-law’s support, but the cost of living remains a challenge.”

“Public transport expenses and inadequate service, such as unreliable replacement buses, exacerbate the difficulties. The lack of timely transport has affected my health and academic performance. I believe that tuition fees should be reduced and that health insurance should cover all medical expenses, including dental care.”

Another Indian International student, Kashish Bansal has had to cut back on groceries and food due to rising prices. She laments, “International students face significant hurdles in securing employment and gaining recognition for their qualifications.”

“Many jobs require local experience, which places us at a disadvantage. Additionally, high taxes and the cost of living are burdensome. There should be more substantial student discounts and financial support.”

All three students, and many more, despite their differing circumstances, share a common plea: a reduction in tuition fees to match those of domestic students and financial assistance for travel expenses.

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, international students find themselves caught between maintaining their education and managing their financial well-being. Policymakers must address these concerns and support the students who contribute significantly to Australia’s economic and cultural diversity.

Author: Aarushi Sharma is a Master’s student in Communications at Deakin University, specialising in Digital Media, Journalism, and Public Relations. She is currently gaining experience as a trainee journalist with The Australia Today.

Support Our Journalism

Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/TheAusToday

The post International students grapple with soaring living costs and tuition fees first appeared on The Australia Today.